The Russian Hydrometeorological Center issued a statement regarding the strong winds expected in Moscow on Friday. Alexander Golubev, head of the center's Short-Term Weather Forecasts Department, denied media reports about expected tornadoes.
Golubev said, "Moscow is not expecting a tornado. Yes, there may be sudden gusts of wind up to 15-20 meters per second, but the necessary conditions for a tornado have not formed in the capital, so there is no threat."
The expert noted that severe weather conditions are required for a tornado to form, and that "no significant precipitation is expected" on Friday. Golubev also emphasized that events such as tornadoes, hail, and fog cannot be accurately predicted 24 hours in advance, because it is unknown where and with what intensity they will occur.