Temperatures to drop to -20C in Georgia

Georgian residents are being urged to wrap up warm as experts forecast freezing temperatures for the first part of next week.

The weather is set to worsen in Georgia and a frost is forecast to settle over western and eastern regions of the country tonight.

The National Agency of Environment has forecast temperatures across Georgia to drop to -15C until February 6. In some regions temperatures are expected to fall to -20C.

In the capital city the overnight low temperature is predicted to fall to -11C tonight. In western Georgia, strong frosts will see temperatures drop to -3C and -7C.

Bad weather conditions are continuing to restrict motorists travelling on Georgia’s roads.

The Roads Department of Georgia reported the Sasadilo-Telavi part of the Vaziani-Gombori-Telavi road is prohibited to trailers and semi-trailers, and buses with more than 30 seats.

Vehicles are permitted to travel on the Vaziani-Shuamta section of the road if they are fitted with anti-skid chains or have 4WD.

On the Gudauri-Kobi section of the Mtskheta-Stepantsinda-Larsi highway, the avalanche danger has been removed since the Roads Department cleaned the area. Traffic is subsequently moving through the anti-avalanche tunnel.

Trailers and semi-trailers, as well as buses with a capacity of more than 30 seats are allowed to move unilaterally through the tunnel. Motor vehicles are prohibited to stop on this part of the road.

Meanwhile the Mleta-Kobi section of the Mtskheta-Kazbegi-Larsi road is only open to 4WD vehicles as the road is covered with snow and ice. All other vehicles are allowed if they are fitted with anti-skid chains.

Trailers and semi-trailers are also prohibited on the Lakhamula-Kala part of Zugdidi-Jvari-Mestia road because of snow and ice. Large buses are also prohibited but types of vehicles are allowed.

Forecasters have predict temperatures will begin to warm up from February 6.