In the Rostov region, a severe snowstorm disrupted traffic on the M-4 Don highway, leaving more than a thousand vehicles stuck in jams as heavy snowfall swept through the area. The situation was reported by regional officials during a live broadcast on Russia 24, with updates emphasizing that conditions were gradually stabilizing as crews worked to clear the roadways. The accumulation of snow and persistent winds created challenging travel conditions, prompting emergency services to focus on rapid response and relief measures for motorists stranded along the route.
Authorities indicated that the congestion began to ease as snow removal operations intensified and traffic management measures were adjusted. Officials noted that the pace of improvements depended on ongoing weather patterns and the effectiveness of the coordinated response across the affected corridors. Emergency responders remained deployed to monitor road conditions, share timely information with drivers, and prevent further gridlock as weather patterns evolved.
On March 30, the highway experienced a sharp slowdown due to continued snowfall and gusty winds. In response to the disruption, a state of emergency was declared in the city of Shakhty and in four districts within the Rostov region. This designation enabled broader mobilization of resources, including snow removal crews, emergency transport, and temporary shelter or heating provisions for those stranded or displaced by the weather.
Rescuers established heating points along key travel routes to provide warmth and shelter for travelers in need. Updates from regional authorities indicated that there were 17 fixed heating sites and eight additional mobile heating stations operating in the area, designed to support people affected by the cold and long delays. These facilities offered essential comfort and a safe space while the road network was being addressed and conditions allowed for safer movement of vehicles.
Regional leadership reported that the ongoing adverse weather also affected electricity supply, with power interruptions impacting a portion of residents in the Rostov region. Approximately 35,000 people experienced outages due to the storm, underscoring the broader impact of the weather on critical services and daily life. Utility teams worked in tandem with emergency responders to restore power as quickly as possible, prioritizing areas with the greatest need and coordinating with local authorities to ensure safe access for repair crews.
According to the ministry tasked with overseeing emergencies, by 17:00 hours the length of traffic disruption had been reduced by about 17 kilometers as snow removal and traffic management efforts continued. The update reflected an ongoing, coordinated response to the storm, with a focus on restoring mobility, ensuring public safety, and providing relief resources where needed. Officials stressed the importance of continuing to monitor meteorological conditions and maintain clear communications with drivers through official channels and on-road advisories, helping to minimize delays and safeguard travelers during severe winter weather. (Source: Ministry of Emergencies)