Mongolia: Adverse weather forecast across eastern and southern regions through at least May 19

Event

Severe weather conditions are forecast across parts of eastern and southern Mongolia through at least May 19. Strong winds are forecast across southern regions May 18 before spreading to eastern regions overnight and into May 19. Winds gusting up to 86 kph (53 mph) may generate dust storms in arid parts of the region and snow storms in elevated parts of eastern Mongolia. Hazardous travel conditions are likely across affected areas due to reduced visibility caused by blowing snow and dust. The strong winds could also cause property damage and power outages in affected areas.

As of May 18, the Mongolian National Agency for Meteorology and Environment Monitoring (NAMEM) has issued the following warnings across the country May 18-19:

• Red snowstorm warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Khentii Province.

• Orange snowstorm warnings: Sukhbaatar Province.

• Orange dust storm warnings: Dornod, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Omnogovi, and Sukhbaatar provinces.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Bayankhongor, Dornod, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Govi-Altai, Khentii, Omnogovi, Ovorkhangai, and Sukhbaatar provinces.

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

Transport
The adverse 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 snow or dust storms 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.