06.11.2026 13:12
Snowfall and blizzard affecting Ardahan and Van negatively impacted transportation at high-altitude passes. In Ardahan, 14 trucks stranded at Sahara Pass were rescued through the work of teams, while drivers experienced difficult moments at Karabet Pass in Van. In the region where snow thickness exceeded 10 centimeters, some heavy-tonnage vehicles had to wait by the roadside.
Winter conditions have begun to take effect in eastern Turkey. Heavy snowfall concentrated in the high parts of Ardahan and Van, blizzard conditions, and icing caused disruptions in highway transportation. As visibility decreased, drivers had difficulty advancing and experienced difficult moments, while teams launched efforts to keep the roads open.
14 TRUCKS STRANDED ON THE ROAD IN ARDAHAN
Heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions effective at the 2,650-meter-high Sahara Pass on the Ardahan-Şavşat highway made it especially difficult for heavy-tonnage vehicles to advance. Due to reduced visibility and icing during the night, 14 trucks became stranded on the road.
Following the report, Highways teams dispatched to the region launched a rescue operation with work machines. After intensive efforts, the 14 stranded trucks were removed from where they were and allowed to continue on their way.
SNOW DEPTH EXCEEDED 10 CENTIMETERS IN VAN
In Van, meanwhile, the downpours that continued intermittently for two days gave way to snow in the high parts. After the precipitation, the peaks of the Artos and Erek Mountains were covered with a white blanket.
At the 2,985-meter-high Karabet Pass on the Van-Bahçesaray highway, snowfall and blizzard conditions adversely affected transportation. As visibility decreased, drivers had difficulty advancing, and some heavy-tonnage vehicles had to wait by the roadside.
TEAMS ON ALERT, CHAIN WARNING FOR DRIVERS
At Karabet Pass, where snow depth has exceeded 10 centimeters, teams from the 11th Regional Directorate of Highways are standing ready to prevent the road from being closed to transportation. Gendarmerie teams taking precautions in the region warned drivers to keep chains in their vehicles.