Heavy snow hits Moscow, causing traffic jams and flight delays, Russia
Snow fell on Russian capital Moscow on February 13, 2019, causing traffic jams and flight delays. The event sparked media frenzy about it being record-breaking and strongest in 140 years. However, a quick look at data provided, including pictures and videos, revealed it's not quite true.
Reports of record-breaking snowfall in Moscow first appeared on Russian News Agency TASS. However, the article, which is actually a media gallery, doesn't mention the amount of snow or the record it broke.
The city saw some 7 cm (2.8 inches) of snow, with snow drifts reaching 45 cm (18 inches), according to AFP. Since snowfall and snow depths are measured in locations where the effects of blowing and drifting are minimized, 7 cm is really not that impressive and it's not even a one-third of Moscow's monthly average. The amount has reportedly fallen in 7 hours.
Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said all the municipal clearing services have stepped up their work. More than 60 000 people were sent out to shovel the snow helped by 10 000 snow plows and 2 000 trucks, he said.
While this sure is notable winter weather, especially for a capital city with a population of 12 million, on February 5, 2018 the city was also hit by what media described as 'snowfall of the century.' It dropped 22 cm (8.6 inches) of snow in 24 hours which is more than half of the city's monthly average. More than 850 flights were delayed or canceled, 2 000 trees fell overnight and one person died after being hit by a falling tree.
A similarly strong snowstorm hit the city on February 4, 2013 with 36 cm (14 inches) of snow in 24 hours.
Featured image credit: Igor Viktoroff
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum.
Other support options include Patreon pledges, one-off payments using PayPal and purchasing products from our webshop.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:
We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.