DUSHANBE, February 2, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- A storm warning has been announced in Tajikistan, and avalanches and rock slides are possible, Ms. Jamila Baydulloyeva, chairperson of the hydomet center within the Agency for Hydrometeorology, told Asia-Plus Monday afternoon.

According to her, a northwestern arctic cyclone that comes from Russia is expected to bring plentiful precipitation, turning rain into snowfall today night, while temperatures are expected to drop to 0°C.

“Most plentiful precipitation is expected in Dushanbe, southern slopes of the Hissor Ridge, as well as Khovaling and Darvoz districts,” Baydulloyeva said.

By the end of the first half of February, temperatures are supposed to increase to 10-15°C above zero.  She also noted that there is risk of avalanches in early February and people are advised not to travel unnecessarily along mountain roads.