Moscow faced its heaviest snowfall disruption in decades, as city services battled severe weather to clear roads and restore normal transport operations.
MOSCOW: The Russian capital experienced its heaviest snowfall disruption in decades, forcing city services into emergency operations as they worked to clear streets and maintain essential transport routes. Snow-clearing vehicles operated across central Moscow, where heavy accumulations blanketed roads and pavements, disrupting the daily rhythm of city life.
According to meteorologist Yevgeni Tishkovets of the Fobos weather centre, a staggering 42 per cent of Moscow’s average January snowfall was recorded within a single 24-hour period. On 9 January, 12.9 millimetres of precipitation fell, surpassing the 1976 record and falling just short of the all-time January daily high set in 1970. Experts confirmed this level of mid-winter snowfall had not been seen in 56 years.
The rare weather was driven by Cyclone Frances, which weakened as it passed over the Moscow region, but still left behind widespread snow and low visibility. Transport authorities reported several delays and disruptions, with some flights grounded and urban mobility affected throughout the day.
City crews responded by deploying heavy machinery to priority zones across the city. These included public transport routes, main roads, and pedestrian-heavy areas. Tourists and residents were seen navigating snow-covered sidewalks, as continuous snowfall made clean-up efforts challenging and ongoing.
Officials urged the public to cooperate with safety guidelines and to allow services time to reach all affected districts. Despite the severity of the weather, public response was largely orderly, with residents adjusting to the harsh conditions as city teams worked through the night.
Meteorological agencies continue to monitor conditions, while cleanup efforts persist to ensure key infrastructure remains operational amid one of Moscow’s most significant winter events in over half a century.
