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Up to 10 Feet of Snowfall Forecast for Parts of the European Alps
Models vary but the precipitation could possibly hit southern Germany or northern Italy the hardest. | Image: kachelmannwetter.com via Wetterwarnungen Suerdtirol Instagram
From Friday, September 13, to Sunday, September 15, meteorologists are forecasting up to three meters (10 feet) of snowfall for the Northeastern Alps. It is possible that between 300-400 millimeters of precipitation could fall on the weekend, and the snowline is expected to drop as low as 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). The strongest precipitation is expected in the Northeastern Alps and parts of Eastern Europe, including Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, and Austria. The weather system could stretch all the way to Lithuania and Latvia. Meteorologists are warning of flash floods, fallen trees, and landslides. Precipitation is expected to start on Thursday evening.
A significant low is moving from northern Italy, which is carrying a lot of humidity north towards Austria. On the west side of the low, cool air from northern Europe is tapped and pressed against the north side of the Alps. This results in heavy precipitation, so-called stagnant precipitation. This is combined with a drop in temperatures driven by Arctic air being pushed from the North. Meteorologist Pieter Groenemejer called the predictions “potentially disastrous.”
The weather models vary, with some predicting the heaviest snowfall for Tyrol in Austria and Trentino and South Tyrol in Italy, while others see the worst of the storms in southern Germany or even Czechia. As the weekend moves closer, the predictability of the models will increase, and we will update our readers accordingly. OpenSnow is currently forecasting up to 67 inches of snowfall for Austrian ski resorts. While the forecast sounds exciting to snow lovers, it can be extremely dangerous as most trees still carry foliage, posing a risk of collapsing. This huge amount of snow in such a short period will likely cause avalanches and potentially mudslides as the ground has not had time to freeze sufficiently. If you are in the regions in question, avoid any unnecessary travel and make sure to avoid wooded areas.
Dangerous flooding could occur across parts of Austria and Czechia. | Image: Pieter Groenemejer Twitter (X)
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© @UnwetterFreaks XObertauern saw 60cm of snow.
More images are coming from European ski resorts in the northeastern Alps as the low-pressure system is moving across the European Alps. While so far only about 50-75 centimeters (20-30 inches) have fallen so far, the brunt of the snowstorm is yet to come. The next 24 hours are expected to be quite dramatic as 200mm of precipitation is forecast in some regions and 400mm over the next 48 hours.
It is expected that this will come down as snow above 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). Massive snow breakage, avalanches, and mudslides are to be expected in those regions. Remote mountain villages could be cut off for several days from the outside world and basic infrastructure, such as transportation, power, etc., is also under threat. Lower areas are anticipated to be at risk of flashfloods. Local authorities are expecting a century flood for regions in Eastern Europe.
© KachelmannwetterThe forecast for the next 24 hours is for up to 1 meter (3 feet) of snowfall.
It is currently raining particularly heavily on the northern side of the Alps, from the Allgäu, Tyrol, Salzburger Land, and Upper Austria, and precipitation is expected to increase even more in the next few hours. Snowfall has been reported all the way down to 620 meters (2,034 feet). Road conditions are winter conditions in most alpine areas on the northside of the Alps, due to heavy snowfall and snow breakage (breaking of branches and falling trees through the snowfall).
Due to the abundant rains, the soils have softened, so the roots of the trees have less support in the ground. In addition to the fact that trees are still carrying full foliage, they are therefore fall over more easily. During the course of Saturday, the precipitation is forecast to move east towards Slovakia and Czechia. There is a big risk of flashfloods, mudslides, and landslides for lower areas. In addition, stormy winds can reach gusts of up to 80-100 km/h (50-62 mp/h).
It is recommended for residents to stay at home in the affected areas. Avoid unnecessary car journeys and don't enter basements, which could flood quickly. Residents and visitors should also prepare for possible power failures. Several mountain passes had to close unexpectedly. The Klausen Pass, Susten Pass, Furka Pass, Gotthard Pass, Oberalp Pass, Nufenen Pass, and Flüela Pass in Switzerland are closed due to snow. In Austria, the Silvretta-Hochalpen Pass and the Grossglockner-Hochalpen Pass are closed. Some of these passes have hotels and visitors have been left stranded in those high alpine locations. Holiday travellers are asked to avoid these areas.
PHOTOS
© Schilthorn-Piz Gloria InstagramSchilthorn, known from the James Bond movie “On her Majesty’s Secret Service” looked like it was December and not September.
© Ski Lodge Engelberg InstagramEngelberg in Switzerland is home to the famous rotating gondola.
© Carlo Budel InstagramThe peak cross at Marmolada, Italy.
© Mario GerlRoad chaos due to snow on the roads and cars with summer tires.
© Skischule AndermattNot all cows have been taken down from the Alpine pastures yet.
© Berchtesgaden FacebookWintery images from Bertchesgaden in Germany.
© Heimo Opers FacebookImpressions from Austria.
© Heimo Opers FacebookImpressions from Austria.
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Motorists have been stranded on snow-blocked roads in parts of KZN and the Free State.
The N3 Toll Route has been closed from Estcourt in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands to Harrismith in the Free State due to heavy snowfall.
This after the snowfall left motorists stranded in their vehicles and unable to move due to the thick snow on Friday evening.
Arrive Alive issued a warning to motorists to avoid Harrismith in the Free State and Howick in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
"In the interest of safety, all traffic is being stopped at Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal and the Harrismith South Interchange in the Free State. Where possible, vehicles are being turned around at strategic locations on the route."
Motorists have further been warned to avoid using alternative routes as conditions were hazardous
"It is highly recommended that road users immediately suspend travel to the areas as the roads will remain closed to traffic until driving conditions have improved and it is deemed safe for travel to resume," Arrive Alive said in statement.
Meanwhile, the Midlands EMS has deployed a support rescue unit to the N3 to assist with medical emergencies.
"We urge the public to avoid travelling on the roads, as they are extremely slippery and icy due to the snowfall," said Midlands EMS spokesperson, Roland Robertson.
"Rescuers are responding to numerous calls and are doing their best to reach everyone in need as quickly as possible."
These are the road closures:
- R74 (Harrismith to Bergville): Heavy snowfall on Oliviershoek Pass
- R74 Greytown/Colenso Road: Heavy snowfall at Santa Maria
- N3, Harrismith to Tugela Toll:
- R617, Kokstad to Underberg
- N2 Ingeli: Under close observation
- N3 Mooi-River: Under close observation
- Tugela Plaza
- R103
- N3 North at Midmar/Howick
Update September 22
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