Ukraine launches emergency response headquarters due to severe weather

An emergency response headquarters will begin round-the-clock operations on Wednesday, February 18, due to deteriorating weather conditions across Ukraine.

The State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development reported this on Facebook, according to Ukrinform.

“On February 18, significant worsening of weather conditions is expected across most of Ukraine. Severe meteorological phenomena will affect nearly the entire country, except for the western regions,” the agency stated.

According to the agency, the Odessa region is expected to experience the most intense precipitation, ice formation, and strong gusty winds, with a Level II hazard alert – orange.

In the Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Poltava, Cherkasy, and Sumy regions, heavy snow and rain are forecast. Additionally, in most southern, central, and eastern regions, wind gusts are expected to reach 15–20 m/s, with severe icy conditions on roads.

“To ensure safe travel and coordinate rescue services, the emergency response headquarters will begin 24/7 operations on February 18,” the agency emphasized.

The headquarters includes representatives from the State Agency for Restoration, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the National Police of Ukraine, and Ukrtransbezpeka. Its main tasks are to respond promptly to threats and properly organize measures to mitigate disruptions to road traffic.

Citizens are also reminded that the Restoration Agency operates a 24-hour hotline, and for information on the condition of public roads of national importance, they can call: +38 067 400 60 80.

As previously reported by Ukrinform, the State Emergency Service warned that on February 18, several regions of Ukraine will experience severe weather, including snow, rain, icy conditions, and strong wind gusts.