Winter Warnings Over Blizzard, Icy Roads 

The Iran Meteorological Organization issued a yellow warning over continued downpours of rain and snow in the province of Tehran and ice-coated roads that could disrupt transport. 
According to the organization, rainfall, heavy snow, fog, high winds, blizzards and freezing temperatures would continue to affect the region on Sunday and Monday, ISNA reported. 
A yellow warning is usually issued to alert the public that adverse weather conditions could occur and disrupt daily life and for authorities to take appropriate measures. 
The statement also warned of possible avalanches and asked motorists to avoid nonessential travel and mountain climbers to stay home. 
A number of snowplows and salt or sand trucks have been deployed in northern Tehran to clear snow-covered streets since the start of the snowfall on Friday night. 
Schools in Tehran’s District 1 were closed and classes were held online to minimize the risks of movement on icy roads and sidewalks. 
The adverse weather conditions were not limited to Tehran and they have affected as many as 24 provinces throughout the nation. 
Head of the Red Crescent Society’s Relief and Rescue Organization Mahdi Valipour said that they had assisted nearly 2,200 individuals stranded in treacherous weather conditions over the past three days. 
“From December 22 to December 24 at 5 pm, 24 provinces were affected by blizzards and flooding,” he said. 
Some 14 of the provinces, including Isfahan, Ilam, Bushehr, Khuzestan and Zanjan required emergency relief. 
Valipour added, “Some 65 operational teams comprised of 320 rescuers have been providing relief to those affected.”
More than 210 were provided with emergency accommodation, at least 165 vehicles stuck in the snow were freed up and certain items such as blankets and food were distributed. 
Heavy snow and rain is still expected in nine provinces and the police have asked drivers to go on the road with a full tank and a supply of food and warm clothing in case they encounter road blockages. 
Power outages in villages in western Iran have also impacted the lives of thousands of people living in rural areas.