Moscow faced a powerful winter storm that hit the city between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, resulting in significant accumulations of snow and adverse weather conditions. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that the city was anticipating more than 70% of its monthly average snowfall within a single day, highlighting the severity of the storm. In his communications, Sobyanin described the relentless nature of the snowfall and stressed that conditions would remain challenging, with snow predicted to fall into the following days.

Meteorological reports indicated that the snow cover in Moscow reached 175% of the daily average for February 19; however, it had not surpassed the daily record set in 2024. The forecasts project that blizzard conditions will persist through Friday morning, compounding the difficulties faced by residents and city services alike. Mayor Sobyanin expressed confidence in the city’s ability to manage the situation despite the extreme challenges presented by the storm, which have prompted city officials to recommend public transit options over driving.

In response to the storm's impact, the city’s Transportation Department advised residents to utilize the underground metro system to avoid the congested roads and facilitate snow clearing operations. The recommendation underscores the strategy to minimize traffic congestion while ensuring that essential services can effectively respond to the ongoing winter weather challenges. As the storm progresses, city agencies will likely remain engaged in efforts to address safety concerns and maintain mobility for residents in Moscow, highlighting the resilient infrastructure and community response to severe weather events.