In the Rostov region, officials reported a complete halt of traffic in both directions along the M-4 Don highway as snowstorms intensified. The decision was conveyed through the region’s traffic police management channel, indicating a precautionary pause aimed at eliminating the hazards caused by accumulating snow and reduced visibility. The pause was instituted to ensure road safety for drivers and to prevent any preventable incidents on a corridor that carries heavy freight as well as commuter traffic.
The official notice specified that traffic flow would be temporarily suspended from the 907th to the 983rd kilometer on the M-4 Don from 20:00 local time until further notice. This stretch, already prone to congestion during adverse weather, saw about 50 kilometers of tailbacks forming in the northern Rostov region as drivers sought alternate routes or waited for conditions to improve. Local authorities emphasized that the measure was a direct response to ongoing snowfall and the need to maintain orderly, safe travel through a high-risk winter corridor.
Snowfalls affected the Rostov region on Thursday, March 30, bringing a mix of snow accumulation and slick road surfaces. Earlier, media outlets such as RIA Novosti reported weather-related restrictions that had already limited truck movement on portions of the M-4 Don in response to deteriorating conditions. The current action extends those precautions to all motor vehicles, reflecting a broader shift toward proactive management of winter weather impacts on major highways that connect southern Russia with other regions.
In tandem with traffic controls, regional emergency services urged residents to exercise heightened caution while driving and to consider postponing nonessential travel. Pedestrians were advised to adjust routines and remain alert to icy sidewalks, fallen branches, and limited visibility, especially near exposed road shoulders and areas prone to snow drifts. The guidance underscored the importance of preparing for sudden weather changes and ensuring one’s vehicle is equipped to handle winter conditions, including winter tires and emergency supplies for longer standby periods.
Vasily Golubev, the governor of the Rostov region, shared updates via his official Telegram channel, noting that roughly 35,000 residents had lost electric service due to the severe weather. The disclosure highlighted the broader social and logistical ripple effects of the storm, extending beyond travel disruptions to energy reliability and daily life. Regional authorities continued to work with energy providers and municipal services to restore power and clear roads as conditions allowed, while dispatchers coordinated with emergency responders to address any consequential incidents. The governor’s communication also reinforced the message that communities should remain prepared for ongoing weather-related disruptions and to heed official advisories as the situation evolves, especially for vulnerable populations and essential service personnel.