5 Killed as Major Snowstorm Hits Austria

A powerful winter storm has left five people dead and caused widespread power outages and transport disruption across Austria.

Austrian police said one person was killed in the northern city of Linz, while four skiers died in separate avalanches in the alpine region of Tyrol.

Authorities in Tyrol urged skiers to avoid unpaved slopes after the number of avalanche fatalities in Austria this winter rose to 21. Officials warned that avalanche danger will remain elevated for several days.

Heavy snowfall has blanketed large parts of the Alpine nation since Thursday, with accumulations reaching up to 40 centimeters. Weather alerts were issued in southeastern regions, particularly around the city of Graz.

Air traffic, which had been temporarily suspended due to snow buildup and reduced visibility, has since resumed. However, electricity providers reported outages affecting multiple areas in southern and eastern Austria, including Styria.

The storm’s impact extended beyond Austria’s borders. In neighboring Slovenia, local media reported that approximately 40,000 homes were affected, with significant disruptions particularly in the country’s northeast.

The severe snowstorm underscores the ongoing winter weather risks facing Central Europe, as heavy snowfall and avalanche threats continue to endanger communities and travelers across the region.