Moscow snow
© Sputnik/ Yevgeniy Biyatov
The Russian capital has been hit with the worst snowfall in decades, with freak weather disrupting air travel and bringing traffic to a halt. Several people have been injured as a result of roofs collapsing in Moscow Region.

The adverse weather befell the city and its surrounding region on Friday, and snow continued falling for two straight days. A snowfall this intense hasn't been registered in the city for some 50 years, with the current record dating back to 1973.

The mountains of snow resulted in the closure of multiple roads across the city overnight.


Heavy vehicles fared especially poorly in the thick snow, with trucks pictured sliding on the roads and failing to ascend even the slightest slope.

Multiple videos circulating online show good Samaritans in SUVs trying to tow trucks across the city - and some even managing to pull that off.


The Moscow Ring Road, the city's crucial traffic artery, has been clogged with heavy trucks, which in some spots managed to move only a few meters over several hours.

The traffic jam on the Ring Road prompted some motorists to break all the rules and attempt to drive on the wrong side, footage circulating online shows.

Some motorists - and taxi passengers - have given up on their vehicles entirely, braving the weather on foot. Those trying to reach the city's airports to catch their flights were apparently the most desperate to take this option.

Those who got to the airports, however, discovered that air traffic is also being disrupted, with dozens of flights delayed. While the terminals have been all but deserted lately due to coronavirus pandemic, they were filmed crowded with passengers on Saturday.

The amassed snow has damaged several buildings across Moscow Region. The roof of a gym collapsed, but luckily it was empty during the incident. Images from the scene show the building filled with snow and pieces of the roof that was completely destroyed.

The snow also obliterated a light hangar outside Moscow, while several people were working inside. One person was injured during the collapse, while at least two others were trapped under the rubble.