The North Ossetian Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations reported ongoing severe weather in Georgia that has disrupted traffic on the Georgian Military Highway for a second time in a single day. The adverse conditions have made it unsafe for heavy vehicles to continue their journey, and authorities have issued clear guidance to drivers about what is permissible at present. Officials cited the need to prioritize safety and to align with the recommendations issued by the Georgian border police as the primary reasons for restricting movement along key segments of the highway. In practical terms, this means that the corridor between Vladikavkaz and the Lars settlement is currently closed to the transit of heavy vehicles, with the restriction effective from February 5 at 16:35 Moscow time and continuing until further notice. The measure is designed to prevent risky situations that could arise from snow, ice, and reduced visibility, and it reflects a coordinated response between regional emergency services and border authorities to safeguard people and property in the area.
On the Georgian side, regional highway authorities have indicated that efforts are underway to manage the situation and restore safe passage as conditions improve. In particular, the Gudauri-Kobi stretch of the Georgian Military Highway, which serves as a vital link through the mountains, is anticipated to reopen to heavy vehicle traffic once snow is dispersed and road crews have completed necessary clearing and safety checks. This cautious approach aims to minimize the risk of accidents and to ensure that once reopening occurs, drivers will encounter reliable road conditions that meet established safety standards. The timing of any reopening depends on weather patterns, ongoing snow removal operations, and the assessment of road safety by the relevant Georgian authorities who monitor the corridor continuously and communicate updates as soon as they are available.
Earlier in the day, officials from North Ossetia’s emergency services reiterated that the Verkhny Lars border crossing remains closed to all forms of transport. This closure reflects the broader weather-related challenges in the region and underscores the importance of staying informed about travel restrictions before attempting cross-border movements. Travelers and freight operators are advised to delay trips or seek alternative routes until authorities confirm that crossings are fully open and safe. The situation illustrates how rapidly changing meteorological conditions can influence cross-border traffic on major routes and how robust coordination among regional ministries of emergency services, road management agencies, and border security bodies is essential to maintaining public safety in such environments.