Sochi Shuts Down Beaches Amid Severe Rain and Flooding Concerns

Heavy rainfall struck the Black Sea resort city of Sochi overnight, leading to rising water levels and the temporary closure of beaches for a minimum of 24 hours, local officials announced on Monday.

«We have officially suspended beach access for swimming,» Sochi Mayor Andrei Proshunin stated at an emergency session. He noted that monitoring teams had been directed to enhance surveillance of local waterways and to alert individuals in recreational areas to stay alert.

A storm advisory is in effect until late Tuesday. From Monday to Wednesday, heavy rain, strong winds, and hail are projected across southern Russia and the annexed Crimea.

Footage shared on social media captured floodwaters partially covering vehicles overnight, along with snowfall in Sochi’s mountainous regions. City officials reported that temperatures fell to 0ºC (32ºF) at elevations above 2,000 meters (6,500 feet).

Water levels in the Ira River in the Dagomys district of Sochi rose but had receded by midday on Monday, according to city authorities.

Officials assured that the heavy rainfall had not affected essential infrastructure or public transport. While at least 10 trees were reported downed due to the storm, there were no reports of injuries.