Support The Moscow Times!

Severe Storm in Moscow Kills At Least 2

Arthur Novosiltsev / Moskva News Agency

Updated with second reported death.

A powerful storm rumbled through the Russian capital on Thursday afternoon, carrying heavy rains and winds that ripped hundreds of trees from the ground and killed at least two people, local authorities said.

Russia’s Emergency Services Ministry said a man was killed near Park Dubki in northern Moscow when wind gusts of around 18-23 meters per second uprooted a tree that then crushed him.

State media later reported a second person had been killed during the storm, which meteorologists said was brought in by a strong cold front, while at least 10 others were injured.

Videos shared on social media showed people in Moscow running for cover as the storm ripped through city streets, tossing loose debris into the sky and flooding some roadways. Other videos showed a tornado forming just outside of the Russian capital.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin warned on Wednesday that a powerful storm system was expected to bring heavy rain and high winds — as well as rare tornados — to the Russian capital the following day.

Authorities later issued a weather advisory alert.

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter

Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysiss and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview
Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more