Chinese state-controlled media reports that about five avalanches have trapped 5,000 people in China's far-western Xinjiang region.

The avalanches in Xinjiang forced farmers to evacuate, driving their livestock through deep snow.

Three people have been reportedly killed. Another person froze to death after he lost his way outdoors.

More snow has been forecast to fall in Xinjiang, Tibet and Inner Mongolia over the next few days and temperatures could drop by another 10 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

China's State Oceanic Administration issued a sea ice alert on Tuesday.

Hundreds of boats have been stranded off the coast of Shandong Province in the worst sea ice the region has experienced in 30 years.

As of last Sunday almost 600 major power stations were reportedly down to nine days supply of coal in reserve.