Schools to shut in Azerbaijan amid severe weather warnings

BAKU, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Azerbaijan's Ministry of Education Wednesday ordered the cancellation of classes in all schools and universities for two days as severe weather warnings were issued across the country.

Under an order signed by the minister of education, all secondary schools, universities and vocational schools will close on Thursday and Friday due to risks posed by gusts forecast by weather authorities.

The ministry announced that all events planned by educational institutions should also be cancelled.

The National Hydrometeorological Department forecasts winds of up to 38 meter per second in parts of Azerbaijan as a strong Mediterranean cyclone is approaching the country.