Relentless snowfall causes major travel disruption across Croatia

(Photo: HAK)

Croatia is firmly in the grip of winter as heavy snow continues to fall across much of the country, leaving roads blanketed in white and causing significant disruption to travel.

Snow has been reported in Lika, Gorski kotar, north-western Croatia, the wider Rijeka region, Istria, the Croatian coast and islands, and parts of Slavonia.

According to the Croatian Automobile Club (HAK), many roads are covered with packed or slushy snow, and low temperatures are creating an added risk of ice.

Crews from the winter road maintenance services have been working throughout Tuesday to clear and salt the affected routes. However, traffic is moving slowly on several sections due to snowploughs and gritting vehicles operating on the carriageways.

(Photo: HAK)

HAK has introduced strict restrictions because of the severe conditions. Trucks with trailers, articulated lorries, and all vehicles without proper winter equipment are banned on a number of key roads in Lika and Gorski kotar.

(Photo: HAK)

The bans include large stretches of Croatia’s main motorway network. On the A1 motorway, restrictions are in force between the Karlovac and Rovanjska interchanges.

The A6 motorway from Karlovac to Kikovica is also affected, as are the state roads DC1 between Krapina, Gračac and Knin, and DC3 on the Karlovac–Delnice–Kikovica route.

At present, there is no available road route for heavy goods vehicles travelling from inland Croatia towards Rijeka, Istria or Dalmatia, and the same applies in the opposite direction. This has effectively brought freight transport between the interior and the coast to a standstill.

(Photo: HAK)

In coastal areas, storm-force winds are adding to the difficulties. HAK warns that gale-strength gusts are blowing in the Kvarner region and Gorski kotar, leading to further bans for certain groups of vehicles, particularly on exposed sections beneath the Velebit mountain.

Drivers have been urged to take extreme caution. HAK is calling on motorists to adjust their speed and driving style to the conditions, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and avoid setting out on journeys without winter tyres and essential equipment.

(Photo: HAK)

And the wintry weather is not over yet.

The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) says more snow is expected on Wednesday in the interior. Rain will continue on the Adriatic, with heavier downpours possible in the far south, potentially accompanied by thunder.

Sleet or snow may also appear on the northern Adriatic and in inland Dalmatia, while temperatures inland are forecast to range from minus 6 to minus 1 degrees Celsius. On the coast, temperatures will generally stay between 5 and 10 degrees.

Although skies are expected to gradually clear from the west later in the day, forecasters warn that conditions in the morning could remain hazardous.

With much of the country waking up to a true winter scene, authorities continue to remind everyone that patience and preparation are essential when travelling during Croatia’s snowy season.