Cold blow: snowfall and gale force winds hit Moscow

On the eve of the May holidays, winter weather returned to Moscow — the city was covered with sleet. Precipitation began at night and intensified by morning, forming a temporary snow cover in some places. According to the Hydrometeorological Center on April 27, rain and ice are forecast in the metropolitan region, which can lead to difficulties on the roads and increase the risk of injury. Forecasters urge drivers and pedestrians to be careful. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.

Snowfall in Moscow on April 27

An orange weather danger level was declared in Moscow and the Moscow region on Monday due to strong winds, sleet and ice. This follows from the data of the forecast map of the Hydrometeorological Center of Russia.

According to weather forecasters, a warning about snow, icing and ice is in effect in the capital until 21:00 Moscow time on April 27. Heavy sticking of wet snow on wires and trees is expected during the day, as well as heavy precipitation, mainly in the form of wet snow. There will be ice on the roads.

A storm wind warning has been announced separately: from 09:00 Moscow time on April 27 to 03:00 Moscow time on April 28, a westerly wind is expected to increase in Moscow with gusts up to 23 m/s.

In the Moscow region, even stronger winds are expected during the same period — up to 25 m/s, as well as wet snow and icy roads.

At the same time, the yellow weather hazard level in the region will remain until 21:00 Moscow time on April 28. The Hydrometeorological Center reminds that at the orange level, weather conditions can pose a threat and lead to damage to infrastructure and traffic difficulties.

The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations has advised residents of Moscow to avoid billboards and rickety structures, not to hide under trees and not to leave children unattended.

Transport restrictions in Moscow and the region

The metropolitan Transportation Department recommended that residents who have already changed their winter tires to summer ones use public transport whenever possible. Drivers are also advised to observe the speed limit, keep their distance and avoid sudden maneuvers.

According to forecasters, snow will remain in the capital during the day, and the air temperature will drop below the climatic norm.

According to Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow, electric scooter and bicycle rental operators have suspended trips until weather conditions improve. In addition, carsharing services have restricted access to cars equipped with summer tires.

Owners of personal scooters, bicycles and cars with summer tires are advised to abandon trips and give preference to public transport. The Department of Transport urged citizens to be especially careful on the roads.

Trains of the Paveletsky direction are running up to 2.5 hours behind schedule in the direction of Moscow, Russian Railways reported. We are talking about routes from Belgorod, Vladikavkaz, Saratov, Penza, Voronezh and Derbent.

Separately, the Moscow Department of Transport reported temporary disruptions to the metro on the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya line due to a fallen tree on the way. Earlier, an increase in traffic intervals was noted on the Partizanskaya—Shchelkovskaya section.

Later, traffic on the specified section was fully restored, and trains are running on schedule.

Operation of the capital's airports

In conditions of heavy snow and limited visibility, Moscow airports continue to operate normally. This was reported in the official Telegram channels Vnukovo and Sheremetyevo.

Vnukovo clarified that all necessary resources have been deployed to service flights and passengers. Previously, some flights were temporarily delayed by the decision of the aircraft crews for security reasons, however, previously delayed flights are currently departing, passengers are being serviced in accordance with the established procedure. Travelers are advised to monitor the status of flights on the online scoreboard and in airport services.

Sheremetyevo noted that flights are operated on schedule, despite the snowfall. Regular snow removal and deicing agents are carried out at the airport, and the situation in the terminals remains calm. Passengers are advised to take weather conditions into account when planning trips and use Aeroexpress whenever possible.

The consequences of snowfall in Moscow

Sleet and ice have already affected the situation in the capital region. In Moscow, traffic difficulties are being recorded on the roads, and there is an increase in the number of minor accidents due to poor traction and limited visibility.

Due to the sticking of wet snow on trees and power lines in a number of areas, the burden on urban infrastructure has increased. Public utilities have been put into an enhanced mode of operation, and streets, sidewalks, and public spaces are being promptly cleaned.

Pedestrians also have to take into account difficult weather conditions: ice remains on the streets, falls and injuries are possible. The city services continue to monitor the situation and promptly respond to residents' requests.