In the Novgorod region, a weather driven power outage disrupted electricity across 250 settlements in 15 districts, according to the Regional Ministry of Housing and Communal Services and the Fuel and Energy Complex on its VKontakte page. The outage appeared in the networks of the Novgorod branch of PJSC Rosseti North-West at around noon, leaving about 6,600 people without power. The hardest hit areas were Demyansky, Krestetsky and Marevsky districts, where homes, schools and small businesses briefly lost essential services. Crews from the utility and local emergency services responded immediately, but repair times lengthened as winter conditions complicated access to some rural lines and feeders that feed remote communities.
Two hours later, 212 settlements with 4,500 people remained without electricity. Authorities dispatched 43 teams comprising 140 workers to carry out restoration work and bring power back to affected communities. The rapid deployment reflected a coordinated effort between regional authorities, Rosseti North-West and municipal services, with priority given to hospitals, heating points and critical infrastructure that keep communities safe during cold weather.
The hydrometeorology center reports that temperatures in the region are currently at zero degrees Celsius, with snowfall possible. Inclement weather can hamper road travel and complicate line repairs, delaying reconnection of households and institutions. Residents were advised to conserve energy where feasible and to prepare for potential extended outages, especially in higher elevations and remote areas where access is more difficult for repair crews.
Meanwhile, yesterday in Norway, more than 100 passengers were stranded on the Bergen Railway near Myrdal after a faulty engine halted the train. With the temperature at minus 11 degrees Celsius, the train could not move, and passengers spent nearly two hours at the station without heating or access to a toilet. Rail workers worked to restart service and restore comfort as crews checked the engine and power systems, while weather conditions continued to pose challenges for operations.
Earlier reports indicated that Moscow residents would stay, and no Christmas frosts were expected. The note sits within a broader pattern of winter weather disruptions that affect travel and utilities across regions, including Russia and neighboring areas, highlighting how cold snaps can complicate daily life and public services.