LHASA -- The scenic area of Mount Qomolangma, the world's highest peak, has been temporarily closed to visitors as heavy snowfall has made its roads unsafe, local authorities said on Wednesday.

According to a notice issued by the culture and tourism bureau of Dingri county in the Xizang autonomous region of Southwest China, snow and ice have accumulated on the roads within the scenic area, leaving current conditions unfit for vehicle traffic. The closure took effect at 3:30 pm on Wednesday.

The scenic area said that the staff are working to clear the snow and restore road access. A reopening date will be announced once conditions improve.

The National Meteorological Center (NMC) noted on Wednesday that parts of southern Xizang are expected to experience heavy to very heavy snowfall, while mountainous areas along the region's southwestern edge could be hit by blizzards.