Snowfall Prompts Travel Advisory in Moscow and Nearby Regions
In Moscow, residents and visitors are being urged to limit car use as snowfall is forecast for November 23. The alert comes from a Telegram channel affiliated with the Moscow Ministry of Transport, which channels official guidance to the public during severe weather events. The message underscores the importance of planning ahead and considering safer travel alternatives when heavy snow is expected to reduce road visibility and traction.
Meteorologists project snow to cover the city for most of the day on November 23. The advisory asks individuals to minimize trips in private vehicles when possible and favors public transportation during daytime hours to ease congestion and lower the risk of accidents. Street crews will be working to clear main routes, while motorists are advised to remain patient and follow updated instructions from local authorities as conditions evolve.
Officials emphasize caution for drivers entering and exiting bridges and overpasses, where ice and slush can accumulate rapidly. While driving, motorists should stay off phones, maintain larger following distances, and avoid abrupt maneuvers that could lead to skidding. The city monitors traffic around the clock through a Situation Center and a Traffic Management Center, staffed by a network of patrols that provide real time updates to the public and coordinate response efforts.
Earlier incidents in the region included disruptions on key corridors such as the Trans-Caucasian Highway (Transkam) in North Ossetia, where worsening weather led to closures. Authorities from the Federal Institution Uprdor Kavkaz issued a prohibition on movement in residential areas to reduce risk to residents and emergency workers. Buron marks the northern approach to the Roki tunnel, a critical transit point subject to weather delays when snow intensifies.
Traffic along major routes faced stoppages starting from 00:30 on November 21, with authorities advising motorists to monitor updates for further notices. In the same period, multiple avalanches were reported in the Transkam region, underscoring the broader safety concerns associated with heavy snowfall in the area. There have also been earlier reports of accidents on the Moscow Ring Road, prompting renewed emphasis on cautious driving during winter weather and the importance of using official channels for travel advisories.
These measures reflect a coordinated effort to safeguard road users and maintain smooth transportation operations during snow events. Citizens are encouraged to check for official alerts before planning trips and to consider routes and timing that minimize exposure to hazardous road conditions. By adhering to guidance from the Moscow Ministry of Transport and related agencies, communities can reduce the likelihood of weather-related incidents and keep essential services running as conditions change. The overarching goal is clear: prioritize safety, minimize disruption, and rely on verified information as weather patterns evolve. (Attribution: Moscow Ministry of Transport Telegram channel; regional traffic management authorities)