TIRANA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Heavy snowfall that hit parts of Albania Tuesday night caused disruptions in many of the country's roads and isolated some mountainous areas, the Albanian Road Authority announced on Wednesday.

According to the authority, low temperatures and frosts snarled traffic along the country's main roads.

In the northern region of Shkodra, contractors have been cleaning roads and spreading salt to ensure the safe movement of vehicles even without snow chains.

The southern region of Gjirokastra is covered by dense snow and the national roads there are only passable with snow chains.

In an interview with the Albanian Telegraphic Agency, the Prefect of Gjirokastra District, Astrit Aliaj, said that snow continues to fall with high intensity, but the contracting firms are working to keep the roads clear and safe.

"The circulation of vehicles is difficult, and I have demanded that the movement of vehicles along the national axes be done only in chains, thus preventing any potential risk of accidents," Aliaj stressed.

According to the weather forecast, the situation will worsen and road users are advised to exercise caution and respect the road signs. The traffic police have called on drivers to use winter tires and snow chains, reduce speed and observe the police warnings.

Meanwhile, in certain parts of the country the schools remained closed or closed early.