Kuche County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China - May 1, 2016
1. Various of traffic in sandstorm
2. Various of car covered with sand
3. Road covered with dirt
4. Various of buildings, street
5. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Local resident (no name given):
"The weather is really bad due to the sandstorm. We can't go to travel in such a condition, and the traffic may also be disrupted."
6. Various of airport
7. Monitoring screen shows delayed, canceled flights
8. Stranded passengers

Makit County - May 1, 2016
9. Various of traffic in sandstorm
10. Trees swaying in strong wind
11. Roadside stands in strong wind
12. Various of fallen guardrail, car
13. Various of traffic police working

Sandstorm has hit south part of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, affecting local traffic during the May Day Holiday, which is from April 20 to May 2 this year.

The sandstorm has struck some counties in south Xinjiang since Saturday night. In Kuche County, the sandstorm reduced the visibility to less than 200 meters in urban areas, made vehicles parked in the open air covered with dirt, caused inconvenience for residents' travel.

"The weather is really bad due to the sandstorm. We can't go travel in such a condition, and the traffic may also be disrupted," said a local resident.

The sandstorm also led to the cancellation of many flights from Kuche to Urumchi, the regional capital of Xinjiang.

Sandstorm coupled with strong wind also hit Makit County on Sunday. Local traffic police have reinforced their troops to direct traffic at major road sections.

The harsh weather is predicted to last until May 2, according to the local weather bureau.