MOSCOW, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Moscow was hit by an unusually heavy late-April snowstorm on Monday, breaking multiple weather records and causing widespread disruptions across the Russian capital and its surrounding areas.
Emergency services said about 50 trees were downed by heavy, wet snow and strong winds. Power lines were also affected.
Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said city services had been placed on high alert, warning of worsening conditions, including strong wind gusts of up to 23 meters per second. Authorities issued an orange-level weather warning, with blizzards and icy conditions expected.
Meteorologist Mikhail Leus, a leading specialist at the Fobos Weather Center, said snow depth reached 12 cm by morning, surpassing the previous record of 10 cm set 55 years ago. Overnight precipitation totaled 16 mm, exceeding a record dating back to 1880. Atmospheric pressure also fell to a record low.
Transport services were disrupted, with delays reported with trains and at airports. The city suspended rentals of electric scooters and car-sharing vehicles with summer tires, and urged residents to use public transport and avoid unnecessary travel.
Most parks were closed due to safety concerns. Forecasters said the snowfall would ease by evening but continue into Tuesday. ■