Fans of the Lokomotiv-Kuban basketball team found themselves waiting for hours under the Rostov Mines, a situation that drew attention from the Telegram channel Cube Puree. The scene reflected a broader weather crisis that had gripped the region and turned a routine away game into a test of endurance for supporters who had traveled to Nizhny Novgorod to back their team on the road. The group, despite the harsh conditions, remained prepared with supplies of food and water, knowing that the journey would be longer than expected as snowy weather continued to complicate travel plans and road conditions.
The heavy snowfall that had settled over the Rostov region intensified travel delays on the M4 Don highway. A significant portion of the route, the 75 kilometer stretch, was shut down to protect motorists from dangerous conditions, while authorities worked to clear the snow and maintain safety. In response to the gridlock, heating stations were established along the highway to assist drivers and passengers stuck in traffic that sometimes stretched up to 50 kilometers. The disruptions did not spare the regional power grid, with about 35 thousand residents experiencing power outages as crews scrambled to restore electricity and secure essential services for households and local businesses. In parallel, a state of emergency was declared in four districts and the city of Shakhty to coordinate emergency response efforts, ensure critical infrastructure remained functional, and address the needs of residents in the affected areas. The situation also complicated rail travel, with several long distance trains delayed as the weather slowed schedules and forced rerouting options. The regional governor acknowledged the disappointing forecast and stressed the importance of cautious driving and adherence to police guidance as authorities urged motorists to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. This weather episode underscored how quickly a transport network can become strained when nature unleashes heavy snowfall and freezing conditions, testing the resilience of infrastructure and the patience of those who have to rely on it in order to reach destinations and maintain daily routines. The ongoing response involved coordination among traffic police, emergency services, and public utilities, all working to minimize risk while keeping the public informed through official channels and timely advisories. The combined effects of the snow, traffic jams, and power outages highlighted the multiple layers of disruption that can emerge from severe winter weather and the importance of preparedness, especially for travelers and communities that depend on continuous road and rail access. The incident remained a focal point for regional authorities as they tracked weather developments, managed traffic redistribution, and communicated potential updates to travelers and residents who faced a lingering period of challenging conditions. Cube Puree continued to document the evolving situation, providing a real time narration of how the storm shaped travel plans and what steps were being taken to restore normalcy as conditions allowed and safety ultimately remained the top priority for all involved.
The events of the preceding day demonstrated a harsh reality for those caught in the lines of stalled traffic on the M4 Don highway. As temperatures dipped and snow continued to fall, the risk of hypothermia and related hazards increased for drivers and fans alike. In such moments, the emphasis always falls on practical measures—staying with a vehicle when possible, conserving heat inside the cabin, and relying on service teams and authorities to reestablish movement and provide relief. The report from the day prior, which highlighted the growing concerns about freezing temperatures in congested traffic, serves as a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can deteriorate and how critical it is for travelers to monitor official updates and to prepare for contingencies when on a long highway stretch through wintry terrain [Citation: Cube Puree Telegram].”