Chinese capital closes highways after heavy snowfall

Workers clear snow off a pedestrian road following snowfall in Beijing, China February, 21, 2024. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang

BEIJING (Reuters) -Authorities in Beijing shut some highways on Wednesday after heavier-than-expected snowfall hit the Chinese capital, part of a cold spell sweeping many parts of the country this week.

With freezing rain and snow expected to last until Monday, officials boosted public transport arrangements in the sprawling city of nearly 22 million and shut eight highways, state broadcaster CCTV said.