Snowstorm Hits Hungary: Budapest and Surrounding Areas Covered in Deep Snow

Published: December 06 2023

A snowstorm has hit Hungary, covering Budapest and surrounding areas in deep snow. The snowfall has led to difficult driving conditions, and motorists are advised to exercise caution.

The Mecsek Hills and other higher areas in southwest Hungary are completely covered in snow, with reports of 20-25 cm of snow cover in the Simonfa area near Kaposvár. The Hungarian Public Roads (Magyar Közút) is urging drivers to drive carefully in these areas.

Snow has been falling in most parts of the Transdanubian region, with some areas recording snow depths of up to 10 cm. The forecast predicts that the snow cover could double, and even more snow could fall in the Bakony and Vértes Mountains.

According to the latest forecasts, the snowfall will gradually spread to the rest of the country starting from late afternoon on Wednesday. Higher-lying areas in the northeast, such as Nógrád, Heves, and Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén counties, may see up to 10-15 centimetres of fresh snow.

The Hungarian Public Roads (Magyar Közút) has been continuously carrying out snow clearing and de-icing works since 10 November. They have distributed over 28,000 tonnes of salt and almost 1.7 million litres of calcium chloride solution on the national road network. However, motorists are reminded that wintry road conditions may still occur until the snow stops.

As the snowstorm continues in Hungary, it is important for motorists to drive with caution and be aware of the current road and visibility conditions. The snow clearing efforts by the Hungarian Public Roads are ongoing, but drivers should still expect periods of wintry road conditions.

What areas in Hungary are currently covered in snow? The Mecsek Hills and the higher points in the southwest of Hungary are completely covered with snow. The Simonfa area near Kaposvár is also experiencing heavy snowfall with reports of 20-25 cm of snow cover.

Is snowfall expected to spread to other parts of Hungary? Yes, the latest forecast predicts that snowfall will gradually spread to the rest of the country starting from late afternoon on Wednesday. Areas in the northeast, such as Nógrád, Heves, and Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén counties, may receive up to 10-15 centimetres of fresh snow.

Is the Hungarian Public Roads taking measures to ensure road safety during the snowfall? Yes, the Hungarian Public Roads (Magyar Közút) has been continuously carrying out snow clearing and de-icing works since 10 November. They have distributed over 28,000 tonnes of salt and almost 1.7 million litres of calcium chloride solution on the national road network in areas affected by snow and sleet. These operations will continue in 12-hour shifts, 24 hours a day.

Are there any precautions for motorists during the snowfall? Motorists are advised to drive carefully, drive slowly, and use vehicles fitted with winter tyres. They should also check the current road and visibility conditions and traffic conditions before traveling at www.utinform.hu. It is important to note that even with the efforts of road maintenance, wintry road conditions may still be present until the snow stops.

How many machines are available for snow clearing on the national road network in Hungary? Around 700 machines can be deployed on the 31,000-kilometre national road network in Hungary. Each machine can cover an average of about 40 kilometres of road, including driving on and off the roads, salt and fuel refuelling, in 2-4 hours.

Will snow remain on the surface after the machines clear the roads? In the event of heavy snowfall, it is possible for snow to remain on the road surface even after the machines have cleared the roads. Motorists should continue to drive with caution on Wednesday and Thursday.