A major winter storm is bringing significant travel disruptions to the Austrian state of Kärnten, with heavy snowfall and a level four avalanche risk prompting road closures and safety warnings. Authorities have issued the second-highest weather alert for several districts as hazardous conditions impact both daily commutes and winter tourism in the region,a vital sector for the province [[3]]. Residents and visitors are urged to heed all travel advisories and avalanche warnings as the severe weather is forecast to continue.
Heavy snowfall is expected to continue in the Austrian state of Kärnten, prompting authorities to issue warnings and close roads. The severe weather is creating hazardous conditions for travel and raising concerns about potential avalanches.
Geosphere Austria has issued the second-highest level of weather alert for parts of the Hermagor district and a section of the Drau Valley, warning of disruptions to daily life and possible damage. As of early Wednesday evening, chain requirements were in effect on 13 roads throughout the region.
The avalanche risk has increased to level four in affected areas, according to the province of Kärnten. Drivers on the Loibl Pass (B91) on the Slovenian border were required to use snow chains as early as Wednesday morning. Later in the day, the requirement extended to the Weißensee Straße (B87) between Greifenburg and Weißensee, and the Plöckenpass Straße (B110) between Oberdrauburg and Kötschach-Mauthe.
By evening, numerous other roads were impacted, including the Katschbergstraße (B99), the Großglocknerstraße (B107), and a lengthy stretch of the Drautalstraße (B100) in the Spittal district. The ÖAMTC reported that the B100 was completely closed near Oberdrauburg shortly before 6 p.m.
The province of Kärnten warned of increased avalanche danger Wednesday evening. “Away from secured slopes, there is a critical avalanche situation for winter sports enthusiasts,” officials said. The avalanche risk is rising along the southern border in the Karnische Alps and Gailtaler Alps, above 1,800 meters, to danger level four.
Spontaneous avalanches are also possible overnight, particularly on west, north, and east-facing slopes above 1,800 meters. More information is available from the Kärnten Avalanche Warning Service.
