Officials from Moscow’s Municipal Services Complex advised residents and visitors to stay off the streets as a significant snowfall and blizzard move through the region. The advisory, delivered via the Telegram channel of the city’s services, emphasized caution and urged the public to limit nonessential travel and to be mindful of hazardous road conditions as the weather deteriorates. The message was clear: in heavy snow and gusty winds, safety comes first, and taking personal vehicles into the storm should be reconsidered if possible.
Citizens were urged to exercise extreme care when navigating city streets in the coming hours. The advisory specifically warned against sheltering under trees, which can shed branches under heavy snowfall or become unstable in strong winds, and advised against parking in places where vehicles could become blocked or stranded. The overarching recommendation was simple yet important: minimize travel by private transport during this intense weather window to reduce the risk of accidents and to keep roads clear for emergency responders and essential services.
Forecasts indicate that the snowfall will begin this evening and persist through the next day. Snow is expected to accompany blustery conditions, with a combination of snowfall, sleet, and wind gusts reaching up to 17 meters per second. The forecast paints a picture of a storm that will blanket the city in white, creating slick surfaces, reduced visibility, and treacherous driving conditions. Local authorities point to these variables as the primary drivers behind the advisories and underscore the importance of planning for delays and alternative routes if travel is necessary.
Meteorological expert Roman Vilfand, serving as the scientific director of the Russian Hydrometeorological Center, highlighted that the snow cover in Moscow could accumulate substantially over the duration of the event. According to Vilfand, the city might accumulate a fresh layer of snow ranging from 25 to 30 centimeters, which would mark a notable departure from the climate norm of roughly 6 centimeters. This increase in snow depth is significant for residents and municipal crews alike, impacting everything from daily commutes to snow removal operations and the timing of street-clearing efforts. The forecast underscores that the storm’s persistence could complicate road maintenance and public transportation schedules, necessitating adjustments in service levels as crews respond to the improving but still challenging conditions.
In related transportation notes, local observers have long anticipated the return of practical winter-ready options for motorists. The city’s automotive scene, including models designed to handle snowy and icy road conditions, is expected to benefit as drivers reassess gear, tires, and contingency plans for harsh weather. The broader implication is that households may want to review their winter preparedness, from vehicle readiness and emergency kits to the availability of alternate travel arrangements should conditions deteriorate further. The ongoing weather event reinforces the importance of planning ahead and staying informed through reliable weather updates and official notices. (TASS)