Unusual Spring Snowfall in Balkans Causes Disruptions and Injuries

Unusual Spring Snowfall in Balkans Causes Disruptions and Injuries

Heavy snowfall and strong winds hit several Balkan countries, causing injuries, road blockages, and power outages

Heavy snow and strong winds hit several Balkan countries on Tuesday, causing injuries, road blockages, and power outages.

The snowfall was unusual for the springtime, as meteorologists noted that such heavy snowfalls in April were a rare occurrence.

In central Serbia, a bus swerved off a snow-covered road, causing 18 people to sustain minor injuries. In the capital Belgrade, two girls were also injured when a tree branch brought down by wet and heavy snow fell on them, according to health authorities.

Nedeljko Todorovic, a meteorologist, stated that although snowfall is not uncommon in Belgrade in April, it rarely holds. “If you look at data over the past 100 years, this is the eleventh snow cover recorded in Belgrade in April, and its thickness is over 14 centimetres, the thickest recorded so far,” he said.

The heavy snow also caused disruptions in transportation, with several mountain roads in Serbia blocked by snow that was, in some places, up to 40 centimetres thick. Additionally, several villages were left without electricity, as reported by the Interior Ministry’s Department for Emergencies. The department also warned about possible flooding along some river basins due to an expected thaw in the coming days.

In Croatia and Montenegro, strong winds halted ferry lines along the Adriatic coast, while Croatian authorities banned road traffic along several coastal roads. In Kosovo, authorities in the capital Pristina warned people to avoid visiting city parks due to the danger of falling branches, as reported by local media. Heavy snowfall was also recorded in Bosnia.

The unusual spring snowfall caused several injuries and disruptions, highlighting the need for preparedness and caution during unpredictable weather conditions.