Severe Winter Storms Hit 12 Regions of Kazakhstan

Severe winter weather is set to sweep across much of Kazakhstan, with a storm alert issued for 12 regions and the city of Shymkent.

According to Kazhydromet, hazardous conditions including ice-slick roads, dense fog, snowfall, ground blizzards, and extreme cold are expected to affect large parts of the country, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

In the Abai and East Kazakhstan regions, forecasters warn of fog, strong winds, and severe frosts, with temperatures plunging to as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius.

Residents of the Akmola region are advised to brace for snow, ground blizzards, and snowstorms throughout the day. Ice-slick conditions and fog are also forecast for the Atyrau, Zhambyl, and Zhetysu regions, increasing risks for motorists and pedestrians.

Snow and snowstorms are expected to hit the Kostanay and Pavlodar regions, while Mangistau region will see fog, high winds, and freezing temperatures dropping to around minus 22 degrees Celsius.

Authorities urge citizens to take precautions, monitor weather updates, and plan travel carefully as severe winter conditions continue to impact the country.