Bad weather makes way home harder

BEIJING, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Heavy snow and freezing rain will continue to hit east and central China, making it harder for millions of Chinese on their way home for the upcoming Spring Festival.

The National Meteorological Center forecast earlier this morning that from 8:00 a.m. January 22 to 8:00 a.m. January 23, some parts of the provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hunan and Fujian would have heavy snow, while Guizhou and Hunan provinces would suffer freezing rains.

Meanwhile, the forecast said temperatures would fall sharply in most parts of the country due to a sweeping cold front. From January 22 to January 24, the lowest temperature may hit 15 to 30 degrees Celsius below the freezing point in northeast and north China.

Temperatures in the country's central and eastern parts would fall by 4 to 8 degrees Celsius during the time. Thermometers are expected to plunge by over 10 degrees Celsius in some of these regions, according to the forecast.

On the eve of the lunar new year which falls on January 23, many Chinese working or living away from their hometowns are catching the last trains or driving on highways for family reunions. The observatory has warned local governments of well maintaining road facilities and being prepared for emergencies.