Moscow Faces Record April Snowstorm, Power Outages and Flight Disruptions

Apr 27, 2026

56 min

Apr 27, 2026 22:31

Power knocked out, flights grounded: Moscow buried in record April snow amid rare arctic blast

## Unprecedented Snowfall Hits Moscow

Moscow experienced a historic late-April snowstorm, with heavy snowfall and strong winds affecting the city and surrounding areas. The Phobos weather center reported 21 millimeters of precipitation overnight, equivalent to 21 centimeters of snow, breaking a record set in 1880.

## Impact on Infrastructure and Travel

The storm caused significant disruptions, including power outages in about 50 villages in Moscow Oblast and traffic issues across the city. Airports temporarily grounded flights due to poor visibility and hazardous conditions. An “orange” weather alert, the second-highest level, was issued by city officials.

## Regional Effects and Casualties

Beyond Moscow, approximately 76,000 people in various regions lost power. In Samara, strong winds led to the deaths of three individuals, including a child, and injured dozens more. Snowfall also affected areas such as Ryazan Oblast, Tula Oblast, and Saint Petersburg.

## Meteorological Explanation

Meteorologists attributed the unusual weather to an "Omega block" over the North Atlantic, a high-pressure pattern that directed Arctic air into Eastern Europe. This rare setup allowed cold polar air to mix with early spring warmth, resulting in the intense snowstorm.

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