Vladivostok Hit by Chaos: Traffic Gridlock, Flooding, and Tripled Taxi Countdown (Updated Photos)
Tropical downpour hits Vladivostok, leaving residents in a pickle! The city's been under the hammer today, with strong winds and heavy rain causing a ruckus. Flooding's been spotted at usual hotspots like Dynamo Stadium, West Street, and Lugovaya Square, making life a real nuisance. Traffic's gridlocked, and taxi fares are skyrocketing, according to PrimaMedia.
The storm's just begun; it's gonna get worse come nightfall. Forecasts predict thunderstorms and rainfall of up to 50mm (and even 60-100mm in 12 hours) in the eastern part of the region. winds could reach 25-27 m/s by evening.
By the end of the workday, Lugovaya and the city center were already looking like a swamp. Yandex.Maps shows 10-point traffic jams. Taxi prices have tripled, by folks' reports.
The press service of Vladivostok's GTS stated that 7.5 mm of precipitation has fallen since 3:30 PM. Despite the situation, they stressed that all roads in the city center are passable. An engineering team is on standby in Lugovaya area to keep an eye on the road conditions.
Residents have been advised to avoid parking their cars near unstable structures like trees and retaining walls. Be prepared, as the storm's just getting started!
Updated 6:56 PM
Witnesses claim that a tree came crashing down on two cars at 25, Narodny Prospekt in Vladivostok. "The noise was deafening, then cars started honking. That tree had been there for ages... It blocked the entrance to the house. You can't get in or out," an onlooker shared.
Updated 7:11 PM
The storm's causing mischief for more than just people. Our photographers spotted a skateboard on the road near Pushkinskaya. It might've been left there or snatched by the wind.
First Summer Storm in Vladivostok. Photos: PrimaMedia
Here are a few snaps of Vladivostok greeting the storm. They capture the usual mayhem at Lugovaya Square, and while it isn't the worst, it's definitely no picnic.
First Summer Storm in Vladivostok. Photos: PrimaMedia
Updated at 19:33
The City Traffic Management Center announced that an engineering team has initiated efforts to combat flooding on Lugovaya Street. "During road monitoring, water accumulation was detected on the roadway near Lugovaya Square. Work is underway to drain the water," they said. Emergency services personnel have also rolled in to help manage the storm's impact.
Updated at 20:53
Witnesses have reported numerous trees uprooted by the winds. Apart from the Narodny Prospekt, incidents have been recorded on Davyдова Street, 12, Tigrovaya Street, Kalinina Street, and Nevelskogo Street.
Vladivostok City Hall advises caution. If you can, avoid traveling outside the city, and if resting by the coast, leave the area. If you face any city service disruptions, reach out to the Unified Duty Dispatch Service at 2222-333.
Stay tuned to PrimaMedia for the latest updates on this stormy situation! выйди из города если можешь, а если ты на берегу, просто убежать
The weather forecast predicts the storm will worsen by nightfall, with heavy rainfall of up to 50mm, and winds that could reach 25-27 m/s. Residents have been asked to prepare for the weather-forecasted conditions.
The city traffic management center is working to combat flooding on Lugovaya Street, and emergency services personnel have rolled in to help manage the storm's impact. Residents have been advised to stay updated on the weather and follow safety guidelines for their own wellbeing.
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