Traffic department on alert for impending storm

AMMAN — Traffic officials on Tuesday urged the public to limit their outings to urgent matters during the severe weather conditions expected this week.

“We urge motorists to stay at home and restrict their movements to emergencies so they do not block roads and enable us to help people in need,” said Brig Gen. Sameer Bino, director of the Highway Patrol.

The traffic official told The Jordan Times that motorists are encouraged to heed “the advice and directions given by our officers who will be stationed on the Kingdom’s highways”.

“We urge people to abide by our advice to avoid certain roads that we know are closed and to ask us for information on road conditions, either by approaching our officers or calling 911,” Bino added, noting that patrols will be deployed on main highways and busy roads to help citizens and divert traffic when needed.

“Our priority is to help citizens, ensure safety on the roads and coordinate with the relevant authorities to open roads... so that motorists are not stuck.”

The country is forecast to be affected by a polar front accompanied by a depression this week, bringing accumulative snow to various regions, according to the Jordan Meteorological Department.

Bino said 27 security stations will be deployed across the Kingdom and 290 patrol vehicles to respond to emergency cases.

Captain Abdul Munem Abul Ghanam from the traffic operations room said the department’s priority will be “making sure that all major roads are open and operating”.

Abul Ghanam told The Jordan Times that the department is on red alert and has started preparations for the expected snowstorm, noting that ensuring the safety and security of motorists and citizens is paramount.

“We have prepared our traffic helicopters and will use them when needed to aid motorists,” he added.