The fourth snowfall befell in Beijing Thursday morning as people had expected, bringing delight and inconvenience to local people.

"It is the first time that I saw such big snow flakes falling down in Beijing this winter and I feel very excited," said Miss Zhu, who works at a local media group.

Many of Zhu's friends in their early twenties took pictures against the backdrop of snowfall at noon, said Zhu.

The previous three snowfalls since the beginning of this year did not bring much joy to Beijingers as the scattered snow flakes could hardly wet the ground.

According to the local meteorological station, Thursday's snowfall is expected to come to an end at night.

The meteorological station warned both pedestrians and drivers to be cautious on the slippery road as the highest temperature at daytime is no more than zero degree Celsius.

According to earlier report of the local traffic information station, traffic accidents increased Thursday morning due to snow.

Subway transportation remained normal thanks to sufficient preparation. But local traffic authorities closed several bus routes leading to the suburban mountainous areas of Beijing to avoid mishaps. Local traffic authorities have also intensified monitoring on passenger flow at major railway stations.

(Xinhua News Agency January 12, 2006)