World (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Thousands lost electricity across the Western Balkans on Friday as early snowfall caused major power outages and widespread disruption.
This week, steep and mountainous areas of Serbia and Bosnia were covered in heavy, wet snow, which caused trees and power lines to fall. Meanwhile, there are worries about possible floods and mudslides due to the continuous rains in lower locations.
At higher elevations, more than half a meter of snow has already formed, and according to state Hydrometeorological Service scientist Slobodan Sovilj, it may reach record October levels.
“We have a number of areas without electricity because of broken trees and branches that fell on power lines,” Aleksandar Mitrovic, head of the Ivanjica municipality in central Serbia, said.
In Bosnia, a number of roads were closed Friday because of the snow. Authorities warned drivers to be extra careful and reminded them to switch to winter tires, which are obligatory from Nov. 1.
The Jahorina ski center outside Bosnia’s capital Sarajevo turned white after the snowfall that began Thursday, catching visitors by surprise.
“We came here in flip-flops and now we need boots and jackets,” Sandra Majstorovic, a tourist at the center, said.
Experts say that extreme weather conditions, such as unseasonably hot or cold spells, can be linked to climate change.
As Storm Amy moves in, there has been a weather warning for severe winds in the UK.
Much of Scotland and Northern Ireland are under yellow weather warnings, and Storm Amy is expected to deliver rain and strong gusts to the remainder of the UK through the weekend.
Ferry sailings from the west of Scotland have been canceled, and schools in Northern Ireland have closed early as the season’s first named storm moves in from the Atlantic.
On Friday, exposed coastal areas are predicted to experience heavy rain and severe winds of up to 100 mph.
Northern Ireland and western Scotland are under a yellow weather warning for rain starting at midday.
Which Western Balkans areas remain without power?
Several municipalities in Serbia such as Ivanjica, Medvedja, and Crna Trava, where power outages have also affected drinking water and phone connections.
Hilly and mountainous regions of Serbia and Bosnia where heavy, wet snow caused trees and branches to fall onto power lines. Some roads in Bosnia remain closed due to snowfall, further complicating restoration efforts.
Authorities in these areas have declared emergency measures and continue working to restore electricity. The heavy snow and fallen trees are causing ongoing disruptions in these more elevated and rural locations, with over half a meter of snow accumulated at higher altitudes.