Heavy snowfall in eastern Georgia

Winter has arrived in Georgia and in some parts of the country, almost half a metre of snow has fallen.

Georgia’s winter resorts are welcoming the snowfall but the icy conditions are causing particular problems in eastern Georgia where heavy and continuous snowfall is disrupting traffic on the Gombori-Vaziani pass.

About 30cm of snow has fallen on the main road, causing traffic to be restricted on the affected road. Patrol police and road department staff are currently working at the scene to clear the road.

Cleaning crews worked in the affected area overnight and dumped salt on the road to melt the ice, officials said.

Nugzar Gasviani of Georgia’s Roads Department said all measurements were being taken to clear roads and resume normal traffic flow on the roads.

Meanwhile the ongoing heavy snowfall is being celebrated at Georgia’s winter resorts Gudauri and Bakuriani.

In Gudauri, about 45cm of snow has fallen in recent days. Officials said Gudauri, Georgia’s leading ski resort, could start its winter season little earlier than normal this year after the area experienced its dusting of snow.

Artificial snow machines were operating at the two resorts for the first time this year to give an additional boost to the natural snowfall.

The snow machines would create artificial snow in places where more snow was needed, officials said. This would guarantee a decent snow base on the ski tracks at Gudauri and Bakuriani and allow visitors from near and far to enjoy a long, prosperous winter season.