First Heavy Snowstorms Forecast for the Alps, With Up to 35 cm of Snow
The first heavy snowfall of the season is forecast for Alpine regions of Europe in late October, with gusty winds. The peak is expected between 23 and 25 October.
Several European countries in the Alpine area are expected to see the season's first heavy snowfall in late October. According to Prozoro, it will come with gusty winds and difficult driving conditions on roads, which may disrupt traffic in mountain areas and affect travellers.
When and where
Forecasters say the heaviest precipitation is expected between 23 and 25 October, although the dates may shift by a couple of days.
The most intense snowfall zone will cover the French-Italian border area, southern and eastern Switzerland, northern Italy and the Austrian part of the Alps.
How much snow
The snow line will drop to 1,300–1,500 metres above sea level. This means snow will cover not only the highest peaks but also the foothills. Snow depth in these regions is forecast at 10 to 35 centimetres, with larger drifts forming in some places.
Impact on traffic
Strong snow and wind gusts are expected to cause blizzards, significantly reducing visibility and making travel harder on mountain passes and roads. Some roads may be temporarily closed.
Meanwhile, drier weather is expected to persist across most of Central Europe.
