The recent snowfall in Austria has led to a high risk of avalanches and significant obstructions on the roads. Warning level four out of five applies in large parts of the country.

"With the fresh snow and the wind, we have all the ingredients for increased avalanche activity," said Patrick Nairz, spokesman for the Tyrolean avalanche warning service, on Friday. Winter sports enthusiasts should stay on the slopes as much as possible. It was said that anyone who wanted to ski in the open area should be very careful and avoid steep slopes. After an avalanche in Gosau in Upper Austria, an injured person was rescued on Friday.

Regionally, more than a meter of fresh snow had recently fallen. Meteorologists expect gusts of wind on the mountains. By Sunday, there should also be significant amounts of snow locally above about 1000 meters. Some roads are only passable for cars with snow chains. On Friday, the fire brigade recorded numerous operations to salvage broken-down vehicles. Until a few days ago, artificial snow was necessary for winter sports in many places.

Weather Warnings