Snowstorm closes roads in mountainous Georgia

Winter weather in early spring is causing restrictions on Georgian roads.

The country’s mountainous areas are particularly affected by the early spring weather, in what Georgians would call "winter swinging its tail”.

Last night heavy snowfall, strong wind and poor visibility closed the only road linking Georgia with Russia.

The Gudauri-Kobi section of eastern Georgia’s Mtskheta-Stepantsminda-Larsi Rd closed last night and remained closed for all vehicles, announced Georgia’s Ministry of Infrastructure this morning.

The Mtskheta-Stepantsminda-Larsi Rd is the route linking Georgia with Russia.

Meanwhile vehicles travelling along the 134-135km section (Dariali Gorge) of the same road must not stop due to poor road conditions, officials said.

Restrictions were imposed on roads in southern Georgia but these restrictions were removed a short time ago.

The only exception was the Goderdzi Pass in mountainous Adjara in western Georgia, where the route is usually closed from early autumn to spring.

Officials said relevant agencies were working around the clock to clear this route for traffic.

Goderdzi Pass, Adjara, western Georgia. Photo source: Roads Department of Georgia

Goderdzi Pass, Adjara, western Georgia. Photo source: Roads Department of Georgia

All other roads in Georgia were clean and safe for all drivers, Georgia’s Roads Department said.