Officials issued a stark warning to motorists about travel on Russia’s M-12 Vostok highway, the key corridor linking Moscow and Kazan. In a bid to protect road users from deteriorating winter conditions, authorities urged drivers to postpone long trips in the coming day. The advisory, relayed via a state media Telegram channel, reflects the seriousness of the weather scenario unfolding across the region.
Forecasts indicate substantial snowfall with accumulations reaching as much as 25 centimeters within the next 24 hours. In light of this, the transportation authority appealed for cautious planning and discouraged nonessential long-distance journeys along the route. The message was reinforced by officials who stressed that adverse conditions could reduce visibility, complicate vehicle handling, and raise the likelihood of accidents on high-speed sections. [Source: Telegram channel of state-owned companies]
In response to the heavy snowfall and gusty winds, traffic paused along a critical stretch from Kanash, a town in the Chuvash Republic, to the Shali settlement in Tatarstan. Emergency responders and the Ministry of Emergency Situations have been mobilized to assist motorists who find themselves stranded or in need of help. Rescue teams are coordinating with road maintenance crews, deploying heavy equipment to clear snow, manage incidents, and restore normal traffic flow as conditions permit. The operational effort is ongoing, with priority given to safety and rapid clearance of accident sites. [Source: official communications]
Earlier weather phenomena drew attention from residents of Anzhero-Sudzhensk, where a weather anomaly captured attention on social and local media. A thunderstorm accompanied by vivid lightning struck during the night, as a storm front advanced across the Kuzbass region. Eyewitnesses reported dramatic flashes and audible thunder while winds buffeted the area, prompting local authorities to monitor the situation and provide updates to the public. The event underscored the volatility of the winter storm system currently traversing the area. [Source: local eyewitness reports]
Meanwhile in Kamchatka, another weather-related incident highlighted the unpredictable nature of the season. A person was observed near a riverbed that had swollen due to freezing conditions, illustrating the heightened risk of floods or ice-related hazards during extreme cold spells. Local emergency services urged residents to stay vigilant near rivers and follow official advisories as weather patterns shift. [Source: regional weather updates]