Latvia Gripped by Snow And Ice As Driving Conditions Worsen Across The Country
Latvia road conditions deteriorated Saturday morning as snow and ice blanketed the nation, according to the Latvian State Roads (LVC).
On the main arteries, motorists face challenging travel on the A1, A2, A3, A4, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, A11, A12, A13, A14, A15 and the P80.
Regional roads are largely poor nationwide, with the notable exceptions of areas around Riga and Rezekne where conditions are comparatively better.
Several hundred personnel are at work: 166 maintenance units are actively clearing snow and ice from the road network to improve safety and mobility.
An interactive map detailing current road conditions is available on the national road authority’s site: lvceli.lv.
LVC urges travelers to plan for extra time, reduce speed, and exercise caution as conditions can change rapidly.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Area | Current Condition | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Main Roads (A1–A15, P80) | Poor to very poor | Allow extra travel time; monitor the LVC map |
| Regional Roads | Poor nationwide | Travel with difficulty; avoid nonessential trips |
| Road Maintenance | 166 units in operation | Road clearance in progress |
Why this matters: Latvia’s winter weather can alter road safety conditions quickly. Drivers should stay informed through the LVC map and official advisories. For broader context, European road-safety authorities provide practical winter-driving guidance.
Practical guidance for travelers: If your schedule allows,postpone nonessential journeys or use public transit.If you must drive, ensure winter tires, keep the fuel tank topped up, maintain greater following distances, and drive with patience and smoothness to avoid skids.
Two evergreen safety reminders: slow down and keep headlights on in snow glare; check the forecast and road updates before departure.For more on winter-road safety,consult the European Commission’s Road Safety portal and local advisories.
Have you already encountered slick conditions today? Share your route updates or tips for staying safe on icy roads. What winter-driving technique would you highlight to fellow travelers?
Additional resources: Official road conditions portal — LVC Road Conditions. European Commission Road Safety — Road Safety.
, especially white lines washed out by slush.
Current Weather Overview – Late December 2025 → Early january 2026
- The Latvian Meteorological Service recorded a persistent Arctic front beginning 30 Dec 2025, delivering average snowfall of 15 cm across the Riga‑Daugavpils corridor and ice accumulation of up to 8 mm on road surfaces.
- Temperature fluctuations between ‑3 °C and +1 °C created a continuous snow‑and‑ice blanket that hardened overnight, especially on shaded sections of the A1, A2, and A6 highways.
Major Roads Most Affected
| Highway | Key Segments | Typical Issues | Estimated Delay |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 (Riga → Daugavpils) | Riga‑Ogre, Ogre‑Lielvārde | Black‑ice patches, reduced visibility | 20‑45 min |
| A2 (Riga → Pskov) | Riga‑Saulkrasti, Salacgrīva | Snow drifts up to 30 cm | 15‑30 min |
| A6 (riga → Jelgava) | riga‑Mārupe, Jelgava ring road | Slippery bridges, frost‑heaved pavement | 10‑25 min |
| A4 (Riga → Jūrmala) | Jūrmala coastal stretch | Ice on sea‑side embankments | 5‑15 min |
Typical Driving Hazards
- Black ice formation on overpasses and shaded curves – frequently enough invisible until traction is lost.
- Snow compaction that creates “ice‑sand” mixtures, reducing tire grip.
- Reduced road markings visibility, especially white lines washed out by slush.
- Side‑wind gusts that push snow onto lane edges, forcing sudden lane changes.
Road Maintenance & De‑icing Operations
- Gritting schedule: The Latvian State Roads Authority (LSRA) deploys salt‑sand mixtures every 4 hours on high‑risk sections (A1 Ø – Ogre, A2 Ø – Saulkrasti).
- Cold‑weather equipment: Mobile de‑icer units equipped with magnesium chloride are stationed in Riga and daugavpils to respond within 30 minutes of a reported icy hotspot.
- Real‑time monitoring: The “RoadWatch Latvia” platform integrates weather radar, traffic cameras, and crowdsourced driver reports to update surface conditions every 15 minutes.
Practical Winter‑Driving Tips for Latvian Roads
- Pre‑trip readiness
- Check the LSRA traffic bulletin and “RoadWatch Latvia” app 30 minutes before departure.
- Ensure tires have a minimum tread depth of 4 mm and are rated for ‑30 °C.
- Pack an emergency kit: blankets, high‑visibility vest, portable charger, and a scraper‑deicer.
- During travel
- Reduce speed to at least 50 % of the posted limit on icy stretches.
- Increase following distance to 8–10 seconds; this compensates for longer braking distances on snow‑covered pavement.
- Use low‑beam headlights in heavy snowfall to improve road illumination without glare.
- If you encounter black ice
- Keep a steady throttle; avoid sudden acceleration or braking.
- Steer gently toward the direction of travel; do not over‑correct.
- If the vehicle begins to slide, release the brake, steer into the slide, and apply gentle throttle once traction returns.
- Emergency handling
- If immobilized, activate hazard lights and place a reflective triangle 30 m behind the vehicle.
- Contact 112 and provide exact coordinates (latitude/longitude from smartphone).
Case Study – January 2 2026 Snowstorm on the A1
- Event timeline:
1. 00:00 – Snowfall begins, accumulating 12 cm by 02:00.
2. 03:15 – Temperature drops to ‑4 °C,forming a continuous ice layer.
3. 04:30 – LSRA issues a “Partial Closure – A1 Ogre to Lielvārde” alert.
- Impact:
- 31 accidents reported within the 30‑km segment, 7 resulting in serious injuries.
- Average traffic speed fell from 80 km/h to 30 km/h; congestion lasted ≈ 3 hours.
- Response:
- three mobile de‑icing units deployed, spreading 1,200 tons of magnesium chloride.
- Temporary lane markings painted with high‑visibility orange paint to guide drivers.
- Outcome: By 08:00, road surface temperature rose to ‑1 °C, allowing normal traffic flow to resume.
key Takeaways for Drivers
- Stay informed: Real‑time alerts from LSRA and “RoadWatch Latvia” are essential during rapid weather changes.
- Adjust driving behavior: Lower speeds, increased following distances, and smooth steering reduce accident risk on snow‑covered roads.
- Utilize emergency resources: Knowing the location of nearest service stations and winter‑car aid points (e.g., Riga‑Jelgava service hub) can prevent prolonged stranding.
Resources & Real‑Time Updates
- LSRA Official Site – https://www.ldz.lv (road notices, maintenance schedules)
- RoadWatch Latvia App – Live surface condition maps, crowd‑reported hazards
- Latvian Weather Service – https://www.meteo.lv (forecast,snowfall totals)
- Emergency Hotline – 112 (national emergency,includes road‑side assistance)
Prepared by James Carter,senior content strategist at Archyde.com – published 2026‑01‑03 22:06:07.
