BEIJING -- Widespread rain and snow will gradually affect large parts of central and eastern China from Thursday, the National Meteorological Center said on Wednesday.

Parts of Shaanxi, Henan, Hubei, Jiangsu, Anhui and Hunan are expected to see heavy snow, with blizzards possible in some areas, the center said, adding that freezing rain may occur in high-altitude mountainous areas.

Ma Xuekuan, the center's chief forecaster, said that the weather will affect a broad area, involving complex precipitation types and heavy snowfall in some regions.

Meteorological experts warn that the rain and snow could affect transportation, energy supply, agricultural production and public health, and have urged the public to take precautions.