URUMQI, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A total of 17 passenger trains have been affected by snow and gales in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region since Saturday morning, according to local railway authorities.

China Railway Urumqi Group Co., Ltd said heavy snow and winds forced 13 trains operating in Turpan to stop at stations.

Four other train services have been halted as well.

Xinjiang railway authorities reminded passengers to follow updated information about the trains and reschedule their travel arrangements.