Moscow hit by heavy snowfall, strong winds
Posted January 12, 2016 6:00 am
MOSCOW (AP) - Heavy snowfall and strong winds have hit the Russian capital, slowing traffic and causing numerous flight delays.
The snowstorm that continued for most of the day Tuesday and is forecast to last overnight has strained the resources of municipal services, which deployed thousands of snowplows and trucks to clear the streets.
Russian news reports said that dozens of flights at Moscow airports were cancelled or delayed.
A massive cyclone that hit Moscow also affected most other areas of western Russia.
The heavy snowfall follows an unseasonably warm spell in December when temperatures didn't drop below freezing until the end of the month.
Police officers stand guard during snowfall at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016. Moscow was hit by heavy snowfall Tuesday, which led to the cancellation of dozens of flights at the city airports as temperatures dipped to -10 C (14 F) in Moscow. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)
The Associated Press
Two ice breakers move along the frozen Moskva River with the Kremlin in the background during snowfall in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016. Moscow was hit by a heavy snowfall Tuesday, which led to the cancellation of dozens of flights at the city airports as temperatures dipped to -10 C (14 F) in Moscow. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
The Associated Press
People walk past at an exchange office sign showing the currency exchange rates of the Russian ruble, U.S. dollar during snowfall in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016. Moscow was hit by a heavy snowfall Tuesday, which led to the cancellation of dozens of flights at the city airports as temperatures dipped to -10 C (14 F) in Moscow. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
The Associated Press
Traffic moves along the embankment of the frozen Moskva River with the statue of Peter the Great, left, in the background during snowfall in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016. Moscow was hit by a heavy snowfall Tuesday, which led to the cancellation of dozens of flights at the city airports as temperatures dipped to -10 C (14 F) in Moscow. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
The Associated Press
Two ice breakers move along the frozen Moskva River with the Kremlin in the background during snowfall in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016. Moscow was hit by a heavy snowfall Tuesday, which led to the cancellation of dozens of flights at the city airports as temperatures dipped to -10 C (14 F) in Moscow. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
The Associated Press
A crew member attaches a Russian national flag as the ice breaker moves along the frozen Moskva River with the Kremlin in the background during snowfall in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016. Moscow was hit by a heavy snowfall Tuesday, which led to the cancellation of dozens of flights at the city airports as temperatures dipped to -10 C (14 F) in Moscow. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
The Associated Press
An ice breaker moves along the frozen Moskva River with the Kremlin in the background during snowfall in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016. Moscow was hit by a heavy snowfall Tuesday, which led to the cancellation of dozens of flights at the city airports as temperatures dipped to -10 C (14 F) in Moscow. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
The Associated Press
Pupils of Navy cadet classes walk in snow in St.Petersburg, Russia, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016. Low temperatures caused the two-days of snowfall in St.Petersburg. (AP Photo/Dmitry Lovetsky)
The Associated Press
A man walks next at an exchange office sign showing the currency exchange rates of the Russian ruble, U.S. dollar during snowfall in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016. Moscow was hit by a heavy snowfall Tuesday, which led to the cancellation of dozens of flights at the city airports as temperatures dipped to -10 C (14 F) in Moscow. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
The Associated Press
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked.
If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.