A powerful snowstorm swept through the Balkans on Monday, causing widespread disruption in Croatia, Bosnia, and Slovenia, with Serbia bracing for its impact next. The extreme weather led to traffic chaos, school closures, and power outages, while also complicating a high-stakes rescue mission in Slovenia.
In Slovenia, efforts to save two Hungarian hikers stranded since Sunday in the mountains north of Ljubljana faced significant setbacks. Rescue operations were paused overnight due to hazardous conditions, and attempts to deploy a helicopter on Monday were thwarted by the unrelenting storm. The hikers remain at an altitude of 1,700 meters.
“We are getting closer, but I don’t think we can finish before evening,” said Jernej Lanišek, the rescue mission leader, as 40 rescuers worked tirelessly to reach the pair.
In Croatia, central regions like Lika faced travel bans, and ferry services along the coast were canceled. Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as roads became impassable, and nearly 200,000 homes lost power. Similarly, heavy snowfall in Bosnia’s northwest forced school closures and led to restrictions on trucks and heavy vehicles on numerous roads. Drivers were cautioned to travel only with proper winter equipment.
Serbia is preparing for the storm’s arrival, with meteorologists advising residents in western regions to expect power outages and avoid traveling. The snowstorm’s progression underscores the vulnerability of infrastructure and rescue efforts during extreme winter conditions in the region.
