Growing weather disruptions triggered significant traffic slowdowns across Moscow. Official service data indicated that congestion in the city reached a high level, with the index pegged at eight points around 12:20 Moscow time, a sign of strained urban mobility that affected daily commutes and travel planning. The leading navigation and traffic platforms reported similar patterns, underscoring widespread slowdowns across major arteries and ring roads during peak periods.
In particular, the inner lanes of the Third Ring Road near Avtozavodskaya Street experienced pronounced congestion, while long bottlenecks were also recorded on Volgogradsky Prospekt and Yaroslavskoye Shosse. In both cases, the lanes guiding drivers toward the city center were the most affected, creating ripple effects for public transit schedules and local deliveries. Commuters were advised to expect delays and to consider alternate routes or modes of transport where feasible.
The Moscow Department of Transport and Road Transport Infrastructure Development urged residents and visitors to minimize private vehicle use while city operations continued to adapt to the weather. Official guidance recommended prioritizing public transportation options to move around the capital more safely and efficiently during the deteriorating conditions, with the aim of reducing blue-sky traffic risk and easing road occupancy.
Forecast updates from February 15 indicated heavy snowfall across Moscow, with forecasters predicting snowfall to persist throughout the day. Local meteorological agencies cautioned that snow accumulation would be substantial, potentially affecting visibility and road surface conditions. Weather experts noted that snowfalls could be relatively intense, even if total precipitation remained moderate, and urged residents to prepare for reduced mobility and slower travel times.
Experts warned that snowdrifts could rise to about half a meter or more, particularly in wind-swept areas and on less-cleared routes, stressing the importance of cautious driving, slower speeds, and increased following distances. City crews were tasked with snow removal and de-icing operations to minimize disruption, but residents should anticipate ongoing adjustments to transit schedules and street conditions.
At Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport, the combination of adverse weather and related conditions led to the detention of passenger flights in the early hours, disrupting travel plans and cascading into other transport networks. Officials urged travellers to check flight statuses and to allow extra time for arrivals and departures, acknowledging that weather-driven delays could persist as conditions evolved. (Source: Russian Hydrometeorological Center and city transport authorities)