Heavy Snowfall, Rain Disrupt Traffic Across Kurdistan Region

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A wave of heavy snowfall and rain has blanketed the Kurdistan Region over the past two days, significantly disrupting transportation and daily activities in multiple areas.

The storm, which began on Thursday, has led to severe traffic delays, particularly in the mountainous regions of Balakayati and Haji Omaran, where snowfall has reached record levels.

Authorities have mobilized emergency response teams to mitigate the impact of the severe weather conditions. On Friday, Sardar Mala Ibrahim, head of the snow removal team at the Independent Administration of Soran, provided an update to Kurdistan24, affirming that efforts were ongoing to clear roads and restore traffic flow.

“The snow removal teams are continuing their work, and wherever there are traffic problems, our teams will go to that location,” he stated.

He further noted that the heaviest snowfall had been recorded in the Haji Omaran area.

Providing specific figures, Ibrahim revealed that between Thursday and Friday morning, approximately 22 centimeters of snow had fallen in Balakayati.

One of the most affected locations was Zini Warti, where traffic disruptions occurred. While road conditions on the Soran side have improved after teams spread salt to combat ice accumulation, the situation remains critical on the Independent Administration of Raparin side, where road access remains blocked.

“This year, a total of two meters and 15 centimeters of snow has accumulated in the Balakayati area,” Ibrahim reported, emphasizing the exceptional nature of this winter season’s snowfall.

In light of the adverse weather conditions, local authorities have urged residents and travelers to exercise extreme caution. The Soran Civil Defense issued a public advisory last night, encouraging drivers to reach out to emergency teams in case they encounter difficulties on the road due to heavy snowfall.

Given the continued risk of road closures and hazardous conditions, officials recommend that residents limit non-essential travel and ensure they are equipped with appropriate winter gear when venturing out.

With weather forecasts indicating the potential for continued snowfall and rain in the coming days, response teams remain on high alert to address emerging challenges. Kurdistan24 will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on weather conditions, road accessibility, and official advisories as they become available.

The latest snowstorm underscores the need for ongoing investment in infrastructure improvements and emergency preparedness to better cope with extreme winter weather in the Kurdistan Region.