Traffic on all national roads is affected by sleet and snow, while visibility is low due to blizzards, the State Road Administration warned on Monday. As traffic conditions continue to worsen because of the snowstorm, the authorities are urging the public to avoid any but strictly necessary travel.

The General Inspectorate for Emergencies says that if travel is unavoidable, people must inform themselves in advance about whether the roads are passable. For safe driving in winter conditions, drivers must properly equip their vehicles, as well as ensure that tire chains, a shovel, some sand, and warm clothing are kept in the trunk. The fuel tank must be kept full and the heating system in order. Also, the phone battery must be kept charged to make it possible to call the emergency services at any time.

In the event of strong winds, people are urged to avoid touching downed power lines, taking shelter or passing near trees, poles, billboards and buildings under construction.

According to operative information, about 60 localities in 7 districts suffered partial power outages due to the snowstorm as of Monday afternoon.

Meanwhile, schools and kindergartens in Chisinau and Balti will be shut down on Tuesday and Wednesday (with Monday being a holiday).

In case of incidents or emergencies, call 112.

A code-orange severe weather advisory is currently in place across the country after a southern cyclone encountered a mass of artic air. Most of the snowfall is forecast for Monday, as the cold spell will continue until midweek.