The highlights of today’s weather in Russia are the following: the interstate freeway between Moscow and Volgograd is blocked by 50 cars that are stuck in the cold. Some of them are completely covered with snow, and a few still have passengers inside. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations is evacuating the drivers to the nearest towns, and is using heavy equipment to get to the other vehicles.

Temperatures are supposed to rise to minus 5 F by the end of the weekend, though it will become humid and windy. The index with wind chill should stay at negative 35 or colder. It’s not only people who are being hurt by the bitter cold. The roofs of the Turkish-manufactured French cars Renault Clio Symbol and the Renault Megane II are shrinking due to plummeting temperatures.

Last year over 16,000 brand new cars of these makes and models were sold in Russia. In the last few days many drivers came back to the dealership to learn why they have new "sunroofs" which had not been there before. Renault isn’t commenting on the number of the incidents, but the drivers have been satisfied with the customer service which registers the damage and takes photos for further repairs. On Monday the French company will come up with an official press-release. It seems "General Winter" can do more than just stop Hitler and Napoleon.

Russia, stay warm!