Heavy snowfall on the morning of Monday, Feb. 16, caused major traffic disruptions in Kyiv, leading to gridlock, multiple road accidents and restrictions on heavy vehicles entering the capital.
Kyiv Regional Military Administration head Mykola Kalashnyk announced restrictions on heavy and oversized trucks entering the capital, starting on Sunday at 10 p.m. Kyiv time due to worsening weather conditions.
Trucks restricted, highways congested
Traffic jams formed overnight on major highways leading into Kyiv, particularly on routes from the western Zhytomyr direction, where trucks accumulated at entry checkpoints.
Difficult driving conditions were also reported across the city, especially on hills and bridges, as icy roads prevented vehicles from gaining traction. Several minor accidents were recorded, further slowing traffic.
Local media reported that some sections of the Odesa-Kyiv highway were temporarily blocked overnight due to snow drifts, with drivers sharing videos of vehicles stuck in deep snow.
Taxi fares surged sharply in the morning, with some short trips reportedly exceeding Hr. 1,000 ($23).
Authorities urged drivers not to park on roadsides or in areas that could obstruct snow-clearing equipment and encouraged residents to use public transport where possible.
Utility services operate all day long
Kyiv city administration said that 289 pieces of equipment from Kyivavtodor – the municipal road maintenance corporation – worked overnight clearing roads. In total, 356 municipal snow-removal vehicles were deployed across the capital.
Snowplows operated in coordinated columns of four to ten vehicles, focusing particularly on right-hand lanes to ensure public transport could function in the morning.
Additionally, 31 manual cleaning teams comprising 216 workers cleared pedestrian crossings, sidewalks and bus stops. In parks and green areas, 755 municipal workers and 67 specialized machines were deployed.
Officials said snow removal and de-icing operations are ongoing.
Yellow weather warning
On Sunday, Ukraine’s Hydrometeorological Center issued a yellow-level weather warning for Kyiv and the surrounding region for Feb. 16.
Cloudy conditions with intermittent snow are expected to continue, with temperatures around -7°C to -9°C (19-16°F). Wind gusts may reach 15-20 m/s (34-45 mph), and icy conditions persist on roads.
City authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, remain cautious, and not leave vehicles in areas that could hinder emergency and utility services.