Central Europe: Adverse winter weather forecast across the region through at least Feb. 2

Heavy snowfall forecast across Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, and Switzerland through Feb. 2. Hazardous travel conditions likely.

Event

Heavy snowfall and strong winds are forecast across much of Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Switzerland through at least Feb. 2. The winter weather comes after Storm Malik brought strong winds which caused damage and fatalities across northern and central Europe Jan. 29-31.

As of Jan. 31, authorities have issued the following watches and warnings across the affected area:

Red snow and ice warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): across parts of far southern and southeastern Germany.
Orange snow and ice warnings: across much of eastern and central Austria, parts of northern and western Czech Republic, southern, southeastern, and southwestern Germany, and much of southern and central Switzerland.
Orange strong wind warnings: across much of southern and western Germany and central and southern Switzerland.
Yellow snow and ice warnings: parts of far eastern and central Austria, parts of central, northern, and western Czech Republic, much of southern and parts of central Germany, and parts of far southeastern, southern, and central Switzerland.
Yellow strong wind warnings: across much of western, northern, and central Austria, western and central Czech Republic, parts of far northern, central, and southern Germany, and across northern and central Switzerland.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

In addition to the heavy snow, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Sporadic power outages are possible throughout the affected area.

Transport
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in the region over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.