On Saturday morning, icy patches were reported on main and regional roads in the Kurzeme and Vidzeme regions of Latvia, according to the state-owned company, Latvijas valsts ceļi (LVC). To mitigate the hazardous conditions, winter maintenance teams were deployed, utilizing 33 vehicles equipped for winter road conditions. The LVC advises that drivers should expect particularly difficult driving conditions on gravel roads in the coming days and weeks, thereby recommending that additional travel time be factored in and that vehicles be checked to ensure they are suitable for winter driving conditions.

The maintenance of gravel roads during winter typically involves a layer of compacted snow. This year, many gravel roads have developed a thick layer of snow. As temperatures rise, the melting snow can lead to the formation of ice, which will be covered by water from the melting snow. Efforts to reduce slippage on compacted snow typically include scratching the surface or spreading sand; however, the effectiveness of these measures diminishes during thawing periods, as grooves may melt away and sand could be washed off by water.

Additionally, outdated asphalt surfaces can exacerbate driving conditions as the weather fluctuates, making it vital for the public to heed warnings from the LVC regarding the current road conditions and to exercise caution when approaching potentially hazardous areas.