Snow disrupting traffic, particularly on motorways
Ljubljana, 19 January - The heavy snowfall that spread to most parts of the country in the morning is slowing down traffic significantly. Motorways are also affected, with trucks being removed and sections closed for all traffic. The snowfall is to calm down in the afternoon but the snow is here to stay during what will be a dry and sunny weekend.
Slovenske Konjice
Snowing in the north of the country.
Photo: Gregor Mlakar/STA
Ljubljana
Slovenia hit by heavy snowing.
Photo: Bor Slana/STA
Ljubljana
Slovenia hit by heavy snowing.
Photo: Bor Slana/STA
Ljubljana
Snowing in Slovenia's capital.
Photo: Bor Slana/STA
Ljubljana
Snowing in Slovenia's capital.
Photo: Manja Delašjava/STA
Žalec
Slovenia hit by heavy snowing.
Photo: Lili Pušnik/STA
Žalec
Slovenia hit by heavy snowing.
Photo: Lili Pušnik/STA
Poljčane
Slovenia hit by heavy snowing.
Photo: DRSI web camera
Vrhnika
Snowfall disrupting traffic.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
With up to 20cm of snow reported for some areas, the road situation has deteriorated further and authorities have called on drivers to avoid travelling if possible, or use quality winter equipment and to set off earlier than usual if they do decide to hit the road.
With several trucks sliding off the road, a section of the Dolenjska segment of the A2 motorway in the south-east as well as a section of the H4 expressway in the west have been closed, while traffic is also disrupted across the A1 motorway, where two sections between Ljubljana and Maribor have been closed as well.
Local traffic is affected around the country as well, with issues with securing public transport being reported from some towns, including Maribor, where the amount of snow has exceeded forecasts. Firefighting units were activated in Maribor to remove fallen trees at several locations.
The amount of snow in some parts in the northeast has significantly exceeded the up to 5cm forecast for the region to near the roughly 20cm that were expected and are mostly being approached in Gorenjska (NW), Koroška (N), Dolenjska (SE) and Notranjska (S). The snowfall has not been heavy in Primorska (W and SW), but problems are caused by bora winds.
No major problems have meanwhile been reported from the Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, with operator Fraport Slovenia telling the STA their winter service has been managing the situation well. There have nonetheless been some arrival delays and at least one flight has been cancelled.