Central, Western Europe: Frequent disruptions due to winter weather possible across mountainous regions through at least March 2023

Event

Extreme winter weather events, including heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, fog, and strong winds, may impact transport and utility services across Alpine and Pyrenean regions in central and western Europe through at least March 2023. Areas most likely to be affected include parts of southern and southeastern France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, southern Germany, Slovenia, Austria, northern Italy, Andorra, and northern Spain. Avalanches can pose a threat to those operating in the region, particularly in the Alps. Airports in affected regions could experience frequent short-notice disruptions, leading to cancellations, delays, and ground stops. Affected airports may include:

Andorra

• Andorra–La Seu d'Urgell Airport (LEU)

Austria

• Innsbruck Airport (INN)

• Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart (SZG)

France

• EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (MLH, BSL, EAP)

• Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport (GNB)

Germany

• Bodensee Airport Friedrichshafen (FDH)

Italy

• Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

• Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY)

• Trieste Airport (TRS)

• Turin-Caselle Airport (TRN)

Switzerland

• Bern Airport (BRN)

• Geneva Airport (GVA)

• Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Inclement weather can lead to frequent blockages on arterial roads in the region. The scarcity of alternative routes means that significant transport disruptions could occur at times. Avalanches can lead to protracted road blockages. While authorities are experienced in minimizing the potential impact, roads in remote and mountainous regions could be disrupted more frequently and for extended periods due to their relative inaccessibility. Extreme temperatures may also increase the potential for vehicle breakdowns. Railways may experience disruptions, resulting in long delays and service cancellations.

The cold weather can lead to utility disruptions where demand exceeds the capacity of local power supplies, and heavy snow or strong winds can damage utility infrastructure. Although normally affected areas are well equipped to deal with such problems, power outages can last for extended periods, particularly in remote locations.

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 affected areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Meteo-France
German Weather Service
MeteoSwiss
Spanish State Meteorological Agency
Austrian Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics
Slovenian Environment Agency