The Ministry of Emergency Situations has warned drivers against traveling on the Transkam highway.

The South Ossetian Ministry of Emergency Situations has lifted the ban on heavy-duty vehicles on the Transcaucasian Highway, but urged drivers to refrain from traveling due to the forecast of heavy snowfall and the risk of avalanches.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot," the Transcaucasian Highway (Transkam) was closed to heavy-duty vehicles as of 12:00 a.m. Moscow time on February 1. The ban was imposed due to deteriorating weather, the South Ossetian Ministry of Emergency Situations explained.

As of 8:00 a.m. Moscow time on February 2, restrictions on the passage of heavy-duty vehicles on the Trans-Caucasian Highway were lifted, the South Ossetian Ministry of Emergency Situations reported on its Telegram channel. "The Transcaucasian Highway is operating normally for all types of vehicles," the publication states.

High probability of avalanches

The ministry noted that a "significant deterioration" in weather is expected near the Roki Tunnel from 12:00 PM on February 2 to 6:00 PM on February 3. "Dangerous conditions, including heavy snowfall, deteriorating visibility, and road conditions are expected on both the southern and northern sides. There is a high probability of avalanches," the statement reads.

The ministry urged drivers to plan to travel this section before noon on February 2. "After this time, travel will be associated with a high risk, so we ask that you completely refrain from traveling during this period unless absolutely necessary," the publication notes.

As of 9:50 a.m. Moscow time, no comments have been posted under the Ministry of Emergency Situations' publications, and the ability to leave comments has been disabled.

As a reminder, on January 24, the Transcaucasian Highway was also closed to heavy-duty vehicles due to deteriorating weather. The restriction was lifted the same day.