Heat wave to snow storms and blackouts in Altai region

But now snow storms in this part of southern Siberia has led to blocked roads with 20,000 people without power supplies. 

Altai regional branch of the Russian Emergencies Ministry earlier issued a warning about worsening storms, with drivers asked to be extremely careful on the roads. 

For a period of 10 hours the highway between Novosibirsk and Barnaul was blocked, due to  strong winds and  poor visibility. 

Altai Region Energy company 'AltaiEnergo' is working in an emergency regime, said officials, restoring electricity lines, with a round the clock helpline set to assist locals.