Frozen Over: Moscow's Sudden Snowstorm Blankets City

A sudden blizzard covered Moscow in up to 10 cm of snow, surprising residents after a mild winter. Forecasters predicted the city's entire March average snowfall over the weekend. With temperatures dropping below zero, officials urged drivers with summer tyres to stay off the roads.

Moscow residents were taken by surprise as a sudden blizzard blanketed the city in snow, covering iconic locations such as Red Square with up to 10 cm after a notably mild winter season.

Meteorologists have reported that the capital is expected to receive its entire month's average snowfall over the course of just Sunday and Monday. Springtime flowers were buried under the unexpected layer of snow as temperatures dropped sharply from 16 degrees Celsius on Friday to below freezing.

Transport authorities issued warnings to the 22 million residents in the greater Moscow area, advising those who have already replaced their winter tyres with summer ones to refrain from driving. In Russia, winter tyres are legally required to handle snowy conditions.

(With inputs from agencies.)