Mongolia: Adverse winter weather forecast across central regions through at least Jan. 13

Event

Snowstorms and strong winds are forecast across parts of central Mongolia through at least Jan. 13. A snowstorm is expected to move in over west-central and northern provinces overnight Jan, 11-12 before intensifying over central provinces through Jan. 12. Hazardous travel conditions are likely due to reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.

As of Jan. 11, the Mongolian National Agency for Meteorology and Environment Monitoring (NAMEM) has issued the following warnings across the affected area:

• Orange snowstorm warnings: Bayankhongor, Ovorkhangai, Selenge, and western Tov provinces.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Dundgovi Province.

• Yellow snowstorm warnings: Arkhangai, Bulgan, Darkhan-Uul, Kehnti, Orkhon, Selenge, and eastern Tov provinces, as well as Ulaanbaatar Provincial Municipality.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Bayankhongor, Govi-Altai, and Omnogovi provinces.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the weather conditions evolve in the coming days.

In addition to the wintry precipitation, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout the affected area.

Transport
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions across the affected area over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected provinces. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Flight delays and cancellations are possible due to strong winds and poor visibility at airports across the affected areas.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where snowstorms are forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Mongolian National Agency for Meteorology and Environment Monitoring (NAMEM)