Will highways be closed due to snow?
2 Answers
Highways may be closed due to snow, depending on the regional scope and changing trends of the weather, visibility, traffic volume, and other conditions. Not every snowfall leads to highway closures. The following are situations where highways may be closed: 1. Natural disasters: such as earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, and other hazards that damage the road surface; 2. Severe natural weather conditions: such as strong winds, typhoons, heavy snow, extreme cold, and frost; 3. Policy-related closures; 4. Serious multi-vehicle traffic accidents on the highway. To check if a highway is closed, you can call the highway service hotline for inquiries.
Well, I've been driving for over a decade, and highways can indeed be closed during snowfall, primarily for safety reasons. Heavy snow makes roads slippery and prone to accidents, so traffic management authorities decide whether to close roads based on snowfall, ice conditions, and visibility. For example, during blizzards in northern regions, accumulations exceeding 5 centimeters often lead to entire sections being shut down, with police setting up checkpoints at entrances to redirect drivers. Before heading out, I make it a habit to check road conditions using mobile apps like Gaode Maps or official traffic updates, and I always pack hot water bottles and snacks in case of traffic jams. Highway management is strict—they prioritize snow removal and road clearance before reopening, so I always advise new drivers not to take risks. Checking the weather forecast before making decisions is crucial, as peace of mind matters most.