Heavy snowfall paralyses eastern Kazakhstan VIDEO

24 November 2025 13:28

A severe snowstorm has struck the East Kazakhstan Region (EKR), causing disruptions across the area.

According to NUR.KZ, citing the regional police department, residents are advised to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary due to a sharp drop in temperatures, snowfall, strong winds, and icy conditions.

KazAvtoZhol also reported that starting 13:30 on 24 November, traffic restrictions for both freight and passenger vehicles have been imposed on the following roads in EKR due to worsening weather conditions:

Almaty–Taldykorgan–Ust-Kamenogorsk–Shemonaikha–Russian border, km 1104–1191, section from Glubokoe village to Shemonaikha city.
Ust-Kamenogorsk–Ridder–Russian border, km 15–105, section from Belousovka village to Ridder city.

The roads are expected to reopen around 21:30 on 24 November.

Kazhydromet has issued a storm warning for the region. During the day, rain and snow are expected, with heavy snowfall in the northern and eastern parts of the region. At night, blizzards are forecasted in the north, with low-level blizzards and icy conditions continuing into the day. Winds are expected to shift from southeast to southwest, reaching 15–20 m/s in the north and east, with gusts up to 25 m/s during the day.