Snowstorms hit Baku and regions

/By AzerNews/

By Amina Nazarli

Baku woke up to freezing temperatures and heavy snows this morning after a blast of icy air. The temperature fell to teeth-chattering minus 6-8 degrees Celsius last night in several regions of Azerbaijan, with rain, sleet and intensive snow.

As much as 14cm of snow fell on Monday night and Tuesday morning, with snowfall reaching as far south regions as Lankaran, Bilasuvar and Astara.

The countries regions including Sheki, Gakh, and Gabala were the snowiest places in Azerbaijan, recording snow of 64cm after temperatures dipped to -7C.

Meanwhile, Baku is struggling with minor problems on the roads in connection with the heavy snow.

Azeryolservis noted that more than 650 snow removal equipments were brought to the streets of the country and salt and sand are used to clear snow and ice from the roads.

“The supply of salt for sprinkling the roads amounted to 2,000 tons. About 1,000 tons of salt were directed for sprinkling the regional roads, 300 tons of salt were directed to serve the capital's roads and 700 tons as a reserve stored in the winter garage, and will be used in case of need,” Azeryolservis’ Spokesman Anar Najafli said.

“The traffic movement on Baku’s road is normal. Movement of vehicles is fully secured," he said. “The situation with the roads in the regions is also stable now. There were certain problems in some mountainous roads, but they have been resolved."

Despite the snow removal work across the capital, some road accidents were occurred in Baku. No injuries were reported, but the material damage caused to vehicles, said Vagif Asadov, the head of the Public Relations Department of the Baku city Traffic Police Department.

Deteriorating weather conditions in Azerbaijan have not had significant effect on the operation of the Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

The airport noted that the flights are carried out in accordance with the schedule and there has been no cancellation so far.

Azerbaijani Railways also reported no cancellation on domestic and international directions. “Since the early morning, the Infrastructure Department conducts a thorough examination of ways, clears them from snow and regularly checks the communication system and alarms, heating in the cars and stations,” the company said.

The forecasters expect the precipitation and wind in the country to continue until the first half of January 27.