Heavy Snowfall in Moscow: City Services on High Alert

Heavy precipitation to blanket the capital in the coming days

The metropolitan region is experiencing a period of heavy snowfall which, according to meteorologists’ forecasts, will continue until January 5 inclusive. Specialists from Moscow’s municipal services complex reported that utility services have switched to a round-the-clock operating mode to eliminate the consequences of the bad weather. Over the current 24 hours, the increase in freshly fallen snow may reach four centimeters. As of the morning of January 2, the height of the snow cover in various districts of the capital ranges from 20 to 24 centimeters, with the highest readings recorded in Tushino.

Large-scale city cleanup operations

City services have launched a large-scale territory cleanup operation. Across the city, snow loading and removal from the road network and courtyard areas is underway, along with the clearing of gutter zones and parking spaces.

Priority cleanup areas

The cleaning of pedestrian zones, sidewalks, and access routes to key urban facilities is under special control. Utility workers are paying increased attention to areas near public transport stops, metro and MCC stations, railway platforms, as well as social infrastructure and consumer market facilities. During daylight hours, work is organized to clear the roofs of residential buildings. Specialists remove snow and ice from pitched roofs of apartment buildings, protruding facade elements, drainage gutters, and downspout funnels. All areas where high-altitude work is being carried out are cordoned off with special tapes and barriers.

Weather conditions and meteorologists’ warnings

On January 2, the capital is expected to see cloudy weather with blowing snow and icy conditions. Air temperatures will range from minus 8–10 degrees Celsius within the city and minus 8–13 degrees in the region. A south-easterly wind will reach speeds of 5–10 meters per second, with gusts up to 12–16 meters per second.

Weakening of frosts amid a cyclone

Meteorologists note that a North Atlantic cyclone, whose center will be located over the waters of the Baltic Sea, will trigger the onset of warming processes. Despite ongoing snowfalls, severe frosts like those of the previous night, when temperatures dropped to minus 13.9 degrees Celsius, are not expected in the coming week. Atmospheric pressure will gradually decrease and reach 735 millimeters of mercury, which is below the climatic norm. Over the weekend, continued snowfall is forecast, with temperatures ranging from minus 7–9 degrees at night to minus 1–3 degrees during the day.

Recommendations for residents of the capital

Due to unfavorable weather conditions, representatives of the municipal services complex have urged Muscovites to observe safety precautions. Residents are advised not to shelter under trees or park vehicles near them because of the risk of branches falling during strong wind gusts. Residents are also urged to remain vigilant and not to enter cordoned-off areas where work is being carried out to clear roofs of snow and ice. Utility services will continue operating in an intensified mode until the situation in the city is fully normalized.