URUMQI, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- High winds forced four passenger trains to stop at stations in southern part of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Wednesday.

The trains were en route to Yining, Kashgar and Hotan when they had to seek shelter, according to regional railway authorities.

On Wednesday evening, the speed of wind in southern Xinjiang exceeded 32 meters per second.

The authorities activated a contingency plan to ensure food and water supplies for the passengers and to keep them warm.

While gales sweep southern Xinjiang, heavy snow is falling in the north. Workers are cleaning snow on railways to ensure safe traffic.