Serbia is grappling with a prolonged wave of heavy snowfall, with accumulations exceeding 40 centimeters in some areas and persistent low temperatures causing considerable inconvenience to daily life and transportation.
According to the Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia, this round of rain and snow has been prolonged and characterized by a sharp drop in temperature, with snowfall significantly higher than the same period last year.
Serbia's western and northern regions were worst hit, with snow accumulation topping 40 centimeters in Vojvodina, the country's northern province. Serbian authorities have deployed all available machinery to work around the clock to ensure road accessibility.
Snow and ice have been cleared from the main roads of Belgrade, the Serbian capital, but some side roads, auxiliary roads, and sidewalks remain covered in ice and snow, posing challenges for drivers and pedestrians.
"Overall, public transportation and logistics are facing some difficulties. I haven't seen such heavy snow in over ten years," said a Belgrade resident.
"I walk very carefully, worried about a fall. The road here hasn't been cleared yet. Compared to before, I go out less. I only go out to buy groceries. I'm taking online classes at university now," another resident said.
Meteorologist Goran Mihajlovic said that Serbia experienced heavy snowfall and low temperatures in 2016, but in recent years there has been relatively less snowfall in winter, and the lowest temperature has never been below minus 10 degrees Celsius. The recent minimum temperature has plunged to minus 17 degrees Celsius.
"This weather, not only snowfall but also freezing rain mixed with snow and low temperatures, undoubtedly caused significant problems for transportation. The heavy snow loads and overburdened power transmission lines also led to problems with power supply. This was particularly true in western and southern Serbia," he said.
The Hydrometeorological Service launches weather balloons three times a day to closely monitor weather changes and issue timely warnings to minimize losses and impacts from the extreme weather.
According to forecasts, Serbia's weather conditions will improve this week, with temperatures gradually climbing, but some areas will still experience rain, snow, and frost.
Heavy snowfall blankets Serbia, disrupting power supply, transportation
