So windy people forced to move around on all-fours in atrocious conditions in Arctic city

Storm warnings in the industrial city meant children were given time off schools, and residents were warned to stay home if possible. Those who braved the weather found it hard to stand up. 

And as the pictures show, some failed. They were forced to move around on all fours as the wind gusted to 35 metres a second in subzero temperatures. 

The weather conditions in the Arctic city saw unusually mild temperatures combined with heavy snowfalls as a cyclone approached. 

Elvira Zulkarnayeva, duty weather specialist, said: 'The air temperature went up to minus 10C in the last couple of days. We expect the cyclone to stay in the region for another 24 hours.'

This compares with a January average of minus 28C in Norilsk - yet the gusts of wind were extreme. The sudden change in weather conditions highlighted the importance of good forecasting - which can save lives. 

Flights were disrupted, although windows of safe conditions were used for aircraft to takeoff and land.

Bus drivers were ordered to move around the city in convoys of two or three. If one broke down, passengers could move to another vehicle. 

But the warnings led to many people leaving their cars at home, and few accidents on the roads compared with similar conditions in the past. 

Mikhail Nazarov, of Norilsk traffic police, said: 'Most drivers took the storm warning seriously and left their cars at home. There were only 17 minor traffic accidents during the last three days, which is a very good result for such bad weather. 

'We keep asking people that they stay home, if possible.'