AP Interview: Russian organizers to seed clouds to prevent rain at 2014 Winter Games

AP Interview: Sochi to seed clouds at 2014 games

LONDON — Russian organizers will use cloud-seeding techniques to prevent rain and ensure ideal snow conditions during the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Sochi organizing chief Dmitry Chernyshenko tells The Associated Press that organizers are taking steps to “guarantee perfect snow conditions regardless of the weather.”

Chernyshenko says organizers will stockpile snow and disperse rain clouds to avoid the weather problems that dogged the Vancouver Olympics.

He says Sochi will also speed up construction to complete venues earlier than originally planned and unveil the Olympic mascot early next year to build up national interest.

Chernyshenko spoke Thursday following meetings in Sochi with Vancouver and IOC officials designed to pass on lessons from the 2010 Games.