Moscow brace for unprecedented deluge as storms intensify

Severe storms are sweeping through Moscow, accompanied by heavy downpours that have flooded the streets of the Russian capital.

According to Kremlin news agency RIA Novosti, these torrential rains have caused as much rainfall in a few hours as Moscow typically gets in a month.

Photos of the storm's aftermath quickly appeared online, showing flooded streets and waterlogged shopping centres. Social media also featured videos of passengers escaping flooded buses, trying to wade through submerged streets.

"Due to adverse weather conditions, city services continue to work intensively. Responsible persons, operational staff, and maintenance personnel are on duty around the clock," announced Moscow Deputy Mayor Pyotr Biryukov on Thursday.

Some major roadways in the city have also been closed due to the situation.

Russian meteorological services warn that the most severe storms might hit the city in the evening and overnight. The Russian service describes the weather conditions as a "mega storm."

"In the coming hours, the bad weather will weaken, but weather radars clearly show another 'wave' whose front is crossing the Kaluga-Tula line and heading towards Moscow. In the capital region, it's expected that from 9:00 PM GMT on Thursday to 3:00 AM GMT on Friday, another wave of 'mega storm' bringing 30 mm per square meter will hit the capital," they inform.