Winter weather disrupts life in Knin, schools delayed as hazards remain

Severe winter weather continues to cause disruptions across the country, with the Knin area in the Dalmatian hinterland, where snow is relatively rare, among the hardest hit.

Snow and freezing rain earlier this week left several villages without electricity for days and created hazardous conditions that authorities say have yet to be fully resolved.

Frozen schoolyards, downed power lines, and fallen or damaged trees remain a safety concern throughout the wider Knin area. As a result, local authorities have postponed the start of the spring semester at several schools until Wednesday.

Many residents support the decision.

“I think it’s a good thing. Let the kids stay home a bit longer and stay safe from all this snow, ice, and falling trees,” said Željko, a local resident.

Another resident, Boris, agreed, saying the delay was sensible under the circumstances. “They will make it up later, when the weather is better,” he said.

Knin Mayor Marijo Ćaćić emphasized that while conditions have improved since the worst of the storm, the danger has not been completely eliminated.

“There are still trees with broken branches that haven’t been removed,” Ćaćić said. “Our services have been working constantly since Tuesday, when conditions were at their worst, and they are continuing their efforts because the affected area is very large.”

Authorities urge residents to remain cautious as cleanup operations continue and winter conditions persist.