Severe Weather Hits Mykolaiv: 16,000 Without Power as Snowfall Disrupts Traffic

On April 11, a sharp deterioration in weather conditions was recorded in Mykolaiv and the region. The severe weather caused traffic on the highways to be hampered and cut off power to 16,000 customers. Utilities and road services are working around the clock to keep the situation under control.

According to Vitaliy Kim, Head of Mykolaiv Regional State Administration, the region has been hit by snowfall since early morning, with winds of up to 20 m/s and temperatures ranging from -1 to -4°C. Snow drifts have formed on the roads and travel is difficult.

Due to difficult weather conditions, traffic on the national highways M-14, H-11, H-14 and H-24 has been restricted since 08:50. To clear the roads, the Recovery Service engaged 17 vehicles, used 147 tons of sand and salt mixture and 450 liters of fuel. Another 5 units of equipment and 60 tons of mixture were provided by the Regional Road Development Agency.

The bad weather also damaged power lines, leaving about 16,000 customers without electricity. Power crews are working to restore power supply.

Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych said that utilities are working in an emergency mode. ELU Avtodorog is treating the streets with de-icing agents, focusing primarily on descents, ascents and key highways, including Bohoyavlensky and Tsentralny avenues.

According to him, electric transport in the city is running behind schedule. Currently, 14 units of equipment are working, including sweepers. Utilities are also cleaning sidewalks and public transport stops.

The city authorities assure that the situation is under control, but in case of further deterioration of weather conditions, they will deploy additional resources.

Mykolaiv suffered its last severe weather hit back in February. Due to the wave of bad weather, road services switched to an enhanced mode and, together with the police, identified problem areas where traffic jams could occur.

Odesa was also affected by the storm, as the city was hit by a powerful storm. At least 18 trees and branches were knocked down and blocked the tramway on Frantsuzsky Boulevard. Utility companies are working to eliminate the consequences of the storm. According to DTEK, almost three thousand families in 12 settlements are still without power, but the power company has already managed to restore electricity to 21 thousand families in 75 villages and towns in the region.

Анна Бальчінос