Moscow has been hit by abnormal tropical downpours, thunderstorms, and hail. According to weather forecasts, up to half of the monthly rainfall will occur on July 4, with heavy rain persisting in some areas until the end of the day. A storm warning has been issued for Moscow and the surrounding region due to strong winds reaching speeds of up to 17 m/s. Footage from eyewitnesses shows flooding on Vyborgskaya Street—water is knee-deep, and cars are practically floating.

A similar situation has been reported in Ramenskoye, near Moscow. After every heavy rain, roads are severely flooded. The drainage systems simply can’t cope. The water eventually recedes, but not immediately. Currently, the situation on the roads has improved—most of the water has drained through the sewers, leaving fewer puddles. For some drivers, these floods aren’t critical due to their vehicle’s high clearance, but if the rain had continued all day, the flooding would have been much worse, with many stranded cars and frustrated drivers. Areas like Chetverty Kvartal Street and the exit from Chugunova to Kosmonavtov saw particularly severe flooding, with water levels reaching curbs in some places.

In some parts of the Moscow region, rainfall may exceed the monthly average. One of the biggest risks for drivers is hydro-lock, which occurs when water enters the engine through the air intake, causing severe damage. If a car is submerged for an extended period, the interior must be dried, electrical components treated, and wiring checked—a process that takes at least two to three days and can cost around 70,000–80,000 rubles.

Car insurance may not always cover flood damage, especially if the policy excludes hydro-lock. Drivers should check their insurance terms carefully. In emergencies, temporarily removing the air filter cover can help prevent water intake, but it must be reinstalled afterward.

Legal recourse is also uncertain. Courts assess whether the driver acted responsibly when entering a flooded area. If a car is parked legally but damaged due to overflowing rivers or extreme rainfall, liability may fall on authorities responsible for flood prevention. In some cases, compensation has been awarded when negligence in river maintenance was proven. However, gathering evidence against municipal or environmental agencies is difficult for individual drivers. The most effective course of action is filing complaints with regulatory bodies, such as the prosecutor’s office.

Despite the severe weather, Aeroexpress trains to Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo airports are running on schedule. The bad weather is expected to last until midweek, with rain gradually tapering off. By the weekend, sunny weather will return, with temperatures reaching 25–27°C during the day. Nights will remain warm, around 14–17°C. From Thursday onward, temperatures will slightly drop but remain mild, with occasional clouds and light rain.

Due to worsening road conditions, drivers in the capital have been advised to use public transport on August 4 and 5.

Vyborgskaya Street

Vyborgskaya Street is a historic thoroughfare in St. Petersburg, Russia, known for its industrial and commercial significance since the 19th century. Located in the Vyborgsky District, it was once a key route connecting the city to the Vyborg province and played a role in the development of nearby factories and worker settlements. Today, it retains a mix of pre-revolutionary buildings and Soviet-era architecture, reflecting its long-standing importance in the city’s urban landscape.

Ramenskoye

Ramenskoye is a town in Moscow Oblast, Russia, located about 30 km southeast of Moscow. Originally a small village, it grew significantly in the 20th century due to industrialization and the development of aviation technology, including the nearby Ramenskoye Airport (Zhukovsky), a major test flight facility. Today, it is known for its aerospace industry, modern infrastructure, and cultural events.

Chetverty Kvartal Street

“Chetverty Kvartal Street” (Fourth Quarter Street) is a charming historical area in the city of Tver, Russia, known for its well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture. The street reflects Tver’s rich merchant history and was part of a reconstruction plan after a major fire in 1763. Today, it offers a glimpse into imperial-era Russia with its picturesque buildings, cultural landmarks, and a nostalgic atmosphere.

Chugunova

“Chugunova” likely refers to **Chugunovskaya Church (Церковь Чугунова)** in Russia, a historic Orthodox church known for its unique cast-iron (chugun) construction in the 19th century. Built in the industrial town of Kasli, it reflects the region’s metallurgical heritage and features intricate metalwork typical of Ural craftsmanship. The church symbolizes the blend of religious tradition and industrial innovation during the Russian Empire.

(If you meant a different “Chugunova,” please provide additional context!)

Kosmonavtov

“Kosmonavtov” (Russian: Космонавтов) typically refers to places or monuments dedicated to cosmonauts (astronauts) in Russian-speaking countries, often honoring the achievements of Soviet and Russian space exploration. One notable example is the **Alley of Cosmonauts (Аллея Космонавтов)** in Moscow, a memorial walkway featuring busts of legendary cosmonauts like Yuri Gagarin, Valentina Tereshkova, and Sergei Korolev, opened in 1967 to celebrate Soviet space triumphs. These sites reflect Russia’s deep pride in its pioneering role in space history, particularly during the Cold War-era Space Race.

Sheremetyevo

Sheremetyevo is a major international airport located in Moscow, Russia, and one of the busiest airports in the country. It was opened in 1959 initially as a military airfield before transitioning to civilian use in 1964, named after the nearby village of Sheremetyevsky. Today, it serves as a key hub for Aeroflot and other airlines, with modern terminals handling millions of passengers annually.

Domodedovo

Domodedovo is a major international airport located southeast of Moscow, Russia. Opened in 1964, it became one of the country’s busiest air hubs, serving both domestic and international flights. The airport is named after the nearby city of Domodedovo, which has historical roots dating back to the 15th century.