Snowstorm shuts down schools and causes traffic chaos in Balkans
- A snowstorm on December 23, 2024, caused power outages affecting tens of thousands of homes in Bosnia.
- Emergency services faced significant challenges due to heavy snow and strong winds, resulting in traffic chaos and bans on heavy vehicles.
- Authorities urged caution and advised residents to limit travel amid the ongoing severe weather.
On December 23, 2024, a severe snowstorm struck the Balkans, causing significant disruptions in several countries including Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia. In Bosnia, tens of thousands of homes experienced power outages as a result of heavy, wet snow bringing down power lines. The snowstorm not only left families without electricity but also resulted in traffic chaos, leading authorities to issue travel warnings and restrict heavy vehicles on major roads to maintain safety. Many residents found themselves trapped in snow-drifted areas, prompting local officials to declare emergencies in affected towns. In Slovenia, the rescue operations for two Hungarian hikers stranded in the Alps were severely hampered due to high winds and low visibility, conditions which also delayed a helicopter's ability to reach them. One of the hikers sustained a broken leg, and rescuers on the ground, facing adverse weather conditions, struggled to reach them. Rescues were postponed as authorities prioritized the safety of their personnel amid risks associated with avalanches and deteriorating weather. The situation was echoed across Croatia where travel was heavily restricted, particularly in the central Lika region, and ferry services were suspended along the Adriatic Sea due to the storm. Classes were also canceled in many schools throughout Bosnia, particularly in the northwest, as authorities sought to mitigate risks to students and staff amid the hazardous conditions. The public was urged to avoid all non-essential travel until conditions improved. This extreme weather event not only disrupted daily life but also posed significant challenges to emergency services struggling to navigate snow-covered roads and find those in distress. As the storm moved towards Serbia, forecasts indicated that individuals there should prepare for potential power cuts and additional travel restrictions. The situation highlighted the impacts of severe winter weather across the region, raising concerns over preparedness for future storms.