Snow covering much of continental Croatia

The first significant snowfall of the season caused little disruption in Gorski Kotar, where residents of Croatia’s mountainous region are well used to winter conditions.

Forecasts suggest more snow is on the way, along with strong northeasterly winds. Local officials say this combination could create difficulties in the coming days.

“We’re expecting more snowfall, although it’s hard to say exactly how much. What we do know is that the wind could cause problems,” said one local official.

Snowplow crews were already hard at work. “I’m out here clearing all the state roads in the area,” said one driver.

In contrast, snowfall did lead to traffic problems in Lika, a key transport corridor linking the interior with the Adriatic coast. While roads are being cleared, authorities have banned trucks and passenger vehicles without proper winter equipment in some areas.

“There’s around twenty centimetres of snow on the ground, and freezing rain this morning caused black ice, which drivers often don’t see,” said another snowplow driver. “All we can do is keep clearing the roads — and thankfully, we have plenty of salt.”

In the mostly flat regions of central and eastern Slavonia, residents largely welcomed the snow, enjoying the winter atmosphere.

“There isn’t much snow yet, but I like the cold weather,” said one local. “I just hope everyone stays healthy.”

“I can walk everywhere — the important thing is that there’s no ice,” added a resident of Osijek.

On Sljeme, the mountain overlooking Zagreb, residents embraced the snowfall with enthusiasm. Although the official ski season hasn’t begun, many took advantage of the snow by sledding and tobogganing.

“It takes about twenty minutes to walk up, and just one minute to slide down,” said one cheerful visitor. “I do a few runs, then warm up with a bit of brandy. It’s great.”