Urals Federal District braces for deadly black ice this weekend
Freezing conditions are set to hit the Urals Federal District this weekend. Temperatures will drop sharply on Friday and Saturday, creating dangerous black ice on major roads. Authorities have warned drivers to take extra care, especially on key routes where accidents are most likely.
The cold snap will bring sudden temperature swings, turning roads into slippery, glass-like surfaces at night. During the day, melting ice will form deep puddles, increasing the risk of skidding or hydroplaning. Drivers are being urged to reduce speed, particularly when approaching water obstacles, as high-speed impacts can cause severe damage or loss of control.
The most hazardous stretches include the Perm–Yekaterinburg and Yekaterinburg–Tyumen routes, as well as the M-5 Ural Highway and Yekaterinburg's access road. The Sverdlovsk Region's Emergency Situations Directorate expects between three and eight injury-related crashes on Friday—numbers that match typical weekend averages. For roadside assistance, the Urals Highway Authority's dispatch service remains available 24/7 at **8-800-200-63-06**. No additional safety advisories have been issued by local transport agencies.
The forecasted conditions demand heightened caution from motorists. Black ice and sudden thawing will make driving treacherous, particularly on high-risk routes. Drivers are advised to stay alert, adjust speeds, and avoid abrupt manoeuvres to prevent accidents.
