Emergency warning for 08.01.2026

      Dear citizens! The Federal State Budgetary Institution "Department for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring of the Republic of Tatarstan" has issued:

      Consultation — a warning about the intensity of meteorological phenomena

      from 18:00 on January 7 to 18:00 on January 8, 2026

      During the night and daytime of January 8, 2026, in the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan and in the city of Kazan, the following are expected in places:

      - strong wind gusts of 15–17 m/s (in Kazan up to 15 m/s);

      - blizzard with visibility reduced to 1,000 meters or less;

      - ice (black ice);

      - on the roads: slush, black ice, locally severe.

      The Main Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations for the Republic of Tatarstan informs:

      In case of ice (black ice):

      Prepare footwear with good slip resistance. Move carefully and without haste, step with the whole sole, taking into account surface irregularities. Elderly people are advised to use a cane with a rubber tip or a special walking stick with sharp spikes. If you slip, sit down to reduce the height of the fall.

      Black ice presents a serious danger to all road users. Drivers should avoid sudden braking: if a stop is necessary, reduce speed smoothly. When braking, press the brake pedal several times to signal drivers of vehicles moving behind you. Pay attention to the technical condition of the vehicle, especially the braking system, and the condition of the tires. All exterior lighting must be operational. Use a high-visibility vest at stops.

      If possible, avoid long-distance travel.

      Pedestrians are advised to cross the street only at marked pedestrian crossings. Do not run across the road in front of moving vehicles, as the slippery road surface greatly increases vehicle braking distance. Walk facing oncoming traffic. Use a high-visibility vest or attach reflective elements to your clothing.

      Drivers:

      1. When driving in these conditions, refrain from unnecessary lane changes, overtaking, and passing;

      2. Pay attention to the technical condition of the vehicle, especially the braking system and the condition of the tires;

      3. Avoid sudden braking; if a stop is necessary, reduce speed smoothly;

      4. Press the brake pedal several times to signal drivers of vehicles moving behind you;

      5. Ensure all lighting is operational;

      6. Travel at a speed that ensures safety in areas with heavy traffic, near schools, at intersections and bridges, and on curves and descents.

      Pedestrians are recommended to:

      1. Be extremely attentive when crossing streets and roads;

      2. Cross the street only at marked pedestrian crossings; remember that due to poor visibility and slippery road surfaces drivers need more time to stop;

      3. When possible, use only overhead or underground pedestrian crossings to cross the roadway;

      4. Do not run across the road in front of moving vehicles;

      5. Walk facing oncoming traffic;

      6. Use a high-visibility vest or attach reflective elements to your clothing.

      In case of intensified wind:

      1. We recommend limiting going outside and staying indoors. It is important not to leave children unattended.

      2. If strong wind catches you outdoors, we recommend sheltering in underground passages or in building entrances. Do not hide from strong wind near building walls, as roofing materials such as slate and other coverings may fall from roofs. The same applies to public transport stops and unfinished buildings.

      3. On the street, keep away from billboards, signs, road signs, and power lines.

      4. Do not stand near large trees, and do not park vehicles near them — wind-torn branches can be very dangerous.

      5. It is deadly dangerous during strong winds to stand under power lines or to approach downed power lines.

      6. Shattered glass falling from upper-floor windows, as well as roofing elements and plaster decorations torn off by the wind, can pose a danger. This threat increases near buildings under construction or repair.

      7. All windows of homes must be tightly closed; remove items from balconies and loggias that could fall outside.

      8. In living or working premises, stay as far away from windows as possible.

      How to act during a severe blizzard

      Only in exceptional cases should you leave buildings. Do not go out alone. Inform family members or neighbors where you are going and when you will return. In a vehicle, travel only on major roads and highways. When leaving the car, do not move away from it beyond visual range. If stopped on the road, signal for help with intermittent horn blasts, raise the hood, or hang a bright cloth on the antenna; wait for help in the vehicle. You may leave the engine running, slightly opening a window to ensure ventilation and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. If you lose your bearings while walking outside a populated area, enter the first house you find, clarify your location, and, if possible, wait out the blizzard. If you are becoming exhausted, seek shelter and remain in it. Be careful and cautious when interacting with unknown people, as the number of thefts from cars, apartments, and offices sharply increases during natural disasters.

      If, due to heavy drifts, you find yourself trapped in a room, calmly and without panic determine whether it is possible to get out from under the drifts on your own (using available tools and improvised means). Report to the civil defense and emergency management office or to the administration of the settlement about the nature of the drifts and the possibility of clearing them independently. If you cannot clear the snow drift yourself, try to establish contact with rescue units. Turn on a radio or television and follow the instructions of local authorities. Take measures to retain heat and use food supplies sparingly.

      Drivers

      Drivers, especially those planning long-distance trips, should pay special attention to the technical condition of their vehicle. Check the weather forecast for the next day or two, depending on the timing of the trip. Before a long trip in cold weather, take care in advance of the vehicle’s thermal insulation. Before traveling, check the operation of the engine and battery, stock up on fuel, and add good antifreeze. It is important not to refuel at unverified gas stations, as poor-quality fuel can cause serious problems. Be sure to bring warm clothing and food supplies, and do not forget a charger for your mobile phone.

      Check the presence of a pump, tow rope, wheel wrench, and jack

      Before departure, check that you have a pump, tow rope, wheel wrench, and jack. It is also worth throwing a set of jumper cables into the trunk. If possible, having a compact lithium-based jump starter/charger is a good idea.

      Emergency kit

      The emergency kit should include: a mobile phone charger and spare battery, warm clothing and blankets, a brush for removing snow and ice from the windshield, a small shovel to free the wheels from snow if necessary; a handheld flashlight and spare batteries, a first aid kit, food and drink, an axe and a folding saw, a pack of solid fuel, a lighter, a small stove and a pot.

      Inform someone of your exact route and estimated arrival time

      Before a trip, inform family members, neighbors, or friends of your exact route and estimated time of return. If trouble occurs on the road, use modern means of communication — this will significantly speed up rescue response. When contacting rescuers, indicate your location, notable landmarks, the number of people in the vehicle, their ages, whether there are sick people or children, and be sure to provide your and your relatives’ contact phone numbers. Take measures to conserve battery charge.

      If a breakdown occurs on the highway

      Place warning signs in front of and behind the vehicle; this can be a felled tree or any conspicuous objects. If the engine is running, slightly open a window to provide ventilation and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. When stopping for a long period or overnight, position the car facing into the wind so that exhaust gases do not enter the slightly opened windows of the cabin and passenger compartment. For your own safety, also periodically check wind direction. It is equally important to ensure that the exhaust pipe does not become blocked by ice and is not buried by snow. If the vehicle breaks down, do not panic; call the unified emergency number "101", report your problem and provide your coordinates. Take measures to retain heat and use available food supplies sparingly. Try to stockpile firewood; if there is none, you can burn combustible materials — there are usually plenty available.

      How to act during a severe blizzard

      Only in exceptional cases should you leave buildings. Do not go out alone. Inform family members or neighbors where you are going and when you will return. In a vehicle, travel only on major roads and highways. When leaving the car, do not move away from it beyond visual range. If stopped on the road, signal for help with intermittent horn blasts, raise the hood, or hang a bright cloth on the antenna; wait for help in the vehicle. You may leave the engine running, slightly opening a window to ensure ventilation and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. If you lose your bearings while walking outside a populated area, enter the first house you find, clarify your location, and, if possible, wait out the blizzard. If you are becoming exhausted, seek shelter and remain in it. Be careful and cautious when interacting with unknown people, as the number of thefts from cars, apartments, and offices sharply increases during natural disasters.

      If, due to heavy drifts, you find yourself trapped in a room, calmly and without panic determine whether it is possible to get out from under the drifts on your own (using available tools and improvised means). Report to the civil defense and emergency management office or to the administration of the settlement about the nature of the drifts and the possibility of clearing them independently. If you cannot clear the snow drift yourself, try to establish contact with rescue units. Turn on a radio or television and follow the instructions of local authorities. Take measures to retain heat and use food supplies sparingly.