Severe blizzard blankets Moscow in worst snow in decades

Blizzards swept through Russia on Friday, leaving the capital city and major roads buried in snow. 

Meteorologists have said it is the most intense snowstorm to hit Moscow in six decades.

Truck drivers faced challenging conditions with more than 20cm of snow and strong winds disrupting traffic.

Continuous blizzards in the Russian capital dumped more than a fifth of the average December snowfall within just 24 hours. 

Meteorological stations across the city reported significant snow accumulation, creating picturesque yet chaotic scenes on the streets. 

Motorists found themselves struggling to free their cars from snow-covered parking spaces.

According to the Gismeteo weather website, Moscow’s total December snowfall could potentially reach 50cm – the highest recorded for that month in recent history.

Reports from Russian television indicated that schools across the country were forced to close due to the heavy snowfall. 

A massive 10km traffic jam emerged overnight on the M4, one of Russia’s major roads, leaving motorists stranded in freezing temperatures.