Late on the evening of Thursday, February 1, Moscow prepared for a jagged mix of winter weather: freezing rain sweeping across the city and a slick glaze tightening its grip on sidewalks and roadways. The capital’s emergency management center issued a storm warning based on forecasts from Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations and the national weather service, Rosgidromet. Meteorologists warned that ice and freezing rain would be possible in certain districts during the night, creating hazardous travel conditions across the city and its outskirts. The guidance was clear: residents should expect slowed traffic, reduced visibility, and a higher risk of slip and fall incidents on untreated surfaces. Travelers were urged to slow down, increase the distance from the vehicle ahead, and anticipate sudden changes in road conditions. Pedestrians were advised to avoid leaning against or taking shelter under advertising structures, and to stay away from trees that could shed ice or branches under saturated skies.
Officials emphasized practical steps for safety. Drivers were reminded to keep a generous following distance, test brakes gently, and use low beams to improve visibility through ice and sleet. Sidewalks and stairs could become treacherous, so pedestrians were encouraged to wear appropriate footwear and carry a small flashlight for dark, icy stretches. Local transportation authorities prepared for potential delays while monitoring road surfaces and weather updates in real time, ready to dispatch response teams if accidents increased or if ice thickness grew unexpectedly. The public was urged to stay tuned to official advisories for any evacuation or shelter recommendations and to seek immediate assistance if there was a risk to life or property.
According to Alexander Shuvalov, head of the Meteo Forecast Center, Moscow residents should expect a rapid changeable weather pattern over the coming days. He described an unusual sequence, calling it a journey through the airwaves, as the city would swing from heavy snowfall to a mix of snow and rain, followed by a deep cold snap that could see temperatures plummet to around 25 degrees below zero before Monday. This forecast suggested a multi-day cycle of precipitation and freezing conditions that would require careful layering, cautious travel, and vigilant monitoring of local updates. People living in higher risk zones, including those with outdoor work obligations or stored outdoor equipment, were advised to take extra precautions when outdoor exposure could not be avoided. The forecast also signaled a shift in wind patterns that could intensify the feel of the cold, increasing the risk of wind chill on exposed skin and elevated risk of icy patches on untreated surfaces.
Earlier warnings had also been issued for Crimea, where authorities announced a three-day storm warning. The combined outlook across these regions underscored the potential for rapid weather deterioration and the need for readiness measures in both urban centers and rural communities. Residents across affected areas were advised to monitor weather briefings, prepare emergency kits with essentials such as blankets, water, and a small flashlight, and ensure vehicles were equipped with winter gear, including traction tires or chains if conditions demanded. Community helplines and municipal information portals were set to provide ongoing updates, guiding residents on when it would be safest to travel and how to respond to temporary disruptions in public transportation, utilities, and local services. The overall message from officials was consistent: stay informed, act with caution, and prioritize personal safety and the safety of others during this volatile winter spell (Source: Official Meteorological Service and Emergency Management Authorities).