Four expressways in Shanghai were closed Monday because of continuing heavy snowfalls in the past three days, according to the local authority.

There are no signs of re-opening the four expressways, which link the neighboring Zhejiang and Jiangsu Provinces with Shanghai. A further six expressways are now open after successful snow clearance operations.

The local government has sent teams to clear snow on the closed expressways.

Snow hit Shanghai for the third day on Monday, bringing traffic to a stop and delaying many flights.

The China Meteorological Administration said the cold snap showed no signs of lifting and issued a red alert warning of snow storms in some central and eastern areas, including around Shanghai.

Cargo ships docked at Shanghai's Baoshan Port were also delayed by snow.

(Xinhua News Agency January 28, 2008)