Overview
- Governor Vladimir Solodov called road conditions “critical” and set a Jan. 21 target to clear major routes and restore regular traffic, with the citywide emergency still in effect.
- Average snow depth in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky reached about 170 centimeters, with drifts topping 2.5 meters in areas and accumulations reaching upper floors of buildings, levels local meteorologists say are rare in 50-plus years.
- At least two people were killed by snow and ice sliding from rooftops; the mayor blamed property managers for failing to clear roofs, and officials warn of ongoing rooftop and icicle hazards.
- Large-scale clearing continues with EMERCOM crews, military personnel and volunteers, as schools remain shut, public transport is largely suspended and deliveries resume gradually where roads open.
- Meteorologists attribute the event to successive cyclones from the Sea of Okhotsk; they report the worst of the storm is easing, but avalanche advisories and safety warnings remain in place.