Moscow utility services prepare for heavy snowfall

Warmer temperatures with heavy snowfalls are coming to the city, brought by a cyclone from the northern Balkans. By the end of the week, Moscow can expect up to 27 cm of snow, according to Pyotr Biryukov, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Utilities.

“According to weather forecasts, two waves of snowfall are approaching Moscow. The first snowfall is expected between 3 pm on 12 January and 3 am on 13 January. Precipitation may reach three to six centimetres, with temperatures of three to six below zero Celsius,” Mr Biryukov said.

The second round of snowfall, expected between 3 am on 14 January and the morning of 16 January, will bring 14 to 21 centimetres of precipitation at temperatures of one to three below zero. “By Monday morning, there will be 17 to 27 centimetres of snow in some areas, which is over 60 percent of the January average,” the deputy mayor noted.

Moscow utility services, including energy and heating suppliers, are already operating with increased capacity. Some 42,000 street cleaners will be manually removing snow from the streets. Over 11,000 units of snow removal equipment will be used, including dump trucks. More will be available if required.

Mr Biryukov added that the snow removal equipment will start sweeping and deicing the streets at 11 pm on 12 January, 5 am on 13 January, and 9 am and 9 pm on 14 January. “Utility services will be specifically focusing on pedestrian areas, pavements, residential courtyards, roads inside residential neighbourhoods, parking areas, areas around public transit stops, metro stations, railway stations and platforms, public services facilities, shops and catering facilities,” the deputy mayor said.

In addition, starting Friday morning, utility services will start removing snow to snow melting stations and will clear roofs and facades from snow and ice crust. The work will continue around the clock.

As of 3.30 pm, Moscow traffic was rated five on the Yandex scale of ten. It is expected that during the evening peak hours, congestion will reach six or seven. There may be some difficulties in the outbound direction on Vashavskoye, Kashirskoye and Shchyolkovskoye motorways, Prospekt Mira and Entuziastov Motorway. Traffic may be quite heavy on the Moscow Ring Road, the Third Ring Road and the Garden Ring.

During bad weather, drivers are advised to be particularly mindful about traffic rules and parking regulations, in order not to get in the way of snow removal equipment escorted by road police. Drivers should also keep a safe distance between vehicles, refrain from unnecessary maneuvering and hard braking. Pedestrians should be more careful on pavements and in pedestrian areas.

Ground public transit is also prepared for the severe weather conditions. The Moscow Department of Transport is constantly monitoring the roads and the condition of buses, bus stops, tracks and depots. All buses, trolleybuses and trams are thoroughly checked before starting their shifts and drivers receive additional instructions. Snow removal tram cars will operate with increased capacity on tram tracks at night.

Right now, there are over 6,000 buses and trams operating on city routes. They are operating normally and are ready for a possible increase in the number of passengers.