Will highways be closed during snowfall?

[LeCourtney]

Highways may be closed during snowfall when slippery road conditions severely affect driving safety. In the event of natural disasters or severe weather conditions, traffic control measures can be implemented on highways, with the decision to close roads based on actual road conditions. Once a decision is made, it should be announced to the public in advance. Traffic management departments under public security authorities can take measures such as guiding, restricting, or prohibiting the passage of motor vehicles, non-motor vehicles, and pedestrians based on specific road and traffic flow conditions. When large-scale public events, extensive construction, or other situations require traffic restriction measures, or when decisions directly related to public road traffic activities are made, these should be announced to the public in advance. In cases where natural disasters, severe weather conditions, or major traffic accidents significantly impact traffic safety, and other measures are insufficient to ensure safety, traffic management departments under public security authorities may implement traffic control.

[DeAdeline]

I often drive long distances in snowy weather and have encountered highway closures several times. Let me tell you, highway closures aren’t decided lightly—it mainly depends on how heavy the snowfall is, how severe the ice accumulation is, and how high the risk of slippery roads is. If the snow piles up too thick, or if a major snowstorm is forecasted, the transportation authorities will close the highways for safety reasons to prevent chain-reaction accidents. Once, I was driving from Shandong to Hebei in winter when a sudden heavy snowfall led to an unexpected highway closure, leaving me stranded at a nearby service area waiting for snow clearance. Now, I’ve made it a habit to always check weather forecasts and traffic apps like Baidu Maps or official live platforms before traveling in snowy conditions. Additionally, northern regions like Inner Mongolia or Jilin, which get heavier snowfall, see more frequent closures, while it’s rarer in the south. I’d also recommend keeping some snacks and water in your car just in case you get stuck for hours. If the highway closes, don’t panic—you can always take national or provincial roads and drive slowly. Safety is far more important than time. In short, road closures are there to protect everyone, so following instructions is always the right move.

[DelColin]

When driving with family for a trip, I'm especially cautious about highway closures during snowy weather. Simply put, heavy snowfall may lead to immediate highway shutdowns to prevent accidents—safety comes first, especially when traveling with kids. Last winter, our family trip to a ski resort was affected when heavy snow caused a highway closure. We waited in the car for updates and eventually took a detour via local roads to arrive safely. Closure decisions are typically made by local authorities based on real-time monitoring, such as when snow depth exceeds 10 cm or icy conditions are highly likely. I recommend downloading a traffic app like Gaode Real-Time Traffic to check conditions before heading out in snow. If you encounter a closure, stay calm—nearby local roads are a slower but more reliable alternative. It's also wise to keep blankets and a first-aid kit in the car during winter, just in case of unexpected delays. Remember, highway closures aren't arbitrary—they're based on professional assessments aimed at reducing accident risks.

[JoelFitz]

I usually commute by car, and occasionally encounter highway closures due to snow. When the snowfall is heavy, highways do get shut down. For example, last year I was working late and the snow was so intense that the highway was closed right after I got on, forcing me to take a detour on local roads for an hour to get home. Nowadays, I check weather app alerts before snow hits. If a blizzard is forecasted, I switch to public transport directly. Highway closures aren’t common but do happen, especially on routes around the city during snowstorms. It’s advisable to check traffic broadcasts or local websites in advance. For safety, don’t force your way through—finding an alternate route is wiser.