Austria Issues Red Alert as Severe Cold Wave Hits

Authorities in Austria have issued a new red weather warning as an intense cold wave and severe winter conditions continue to affect large parts of the country, bringing heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.

Officials said snowstorms remain active across Austria, with red alerts for heavy snowfall declared in six federal states. Streets remain blanketed in snow, and forecasters warn that powerful snowstorms are likely to persist in the coming days as part of a broader cold spell impacting much of Central Europe.

Heavy snowfall combined with freezing rain has led to widespread icy road conditions, triggering numerous traffic accidents and forcing the closure of key routes. Among them is the Brenner motorway, a major transport corridor linking Austria and Italy, which was temporarily shut after several trucks overturned.

Authorities also warned of a heightened risk of avalanches in several regions, including Styria, Burgenland and Tyrol, where avalanche alerts have been raised to level three, indicating a considerable danger.

Austria’s national meteorological service said up to 40 centimeters of additional snowfall could accumulate on top of existing snow cover in several states, including Salzburg, Styria, Lower Austria, Tyrol and Burgenland. The extreme conditions are being driven by a powerful low-pressure system moving across Germany and into the Alpine region.

Emergency services have urged residents to avoid non-essential travel, remain alert to weather updates and follow safety guidance, as Austria braces for further disruption from one of the most severe winter cold spells of the season.