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Early-Season Snowstorm Cuts Power, Disrupts Travel in Western Balkans

Meteorologists flag unusually early, potentially record snowfall after weeks of heat, with lowland rain elevating flood risks.

A car drives along a road during an unexpected snowfall on mountain Jahorina near Sarajevo, Bosnia, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
A flower is covered with snow during an unexpected snowfall on mountain Jahorina near Sarajevo, Bosnia, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
A road sign is covered with snow during an unexpected snowfall on mountain Jahorina near Sarajevo, Bosnia, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)

Overview

  • Thousands lost electricity in Serbia and Bosnia as heavy, wet snow made roads impassable in hilly and mountainous areas.
  • State meteorologist Slobodan Sovilj reported more than half a meter of snow at higher elevations and warned it could reach October records.
  • Fallen trees and branches brought down power lines, according to Ivanjica municipal head Aleksandar Mitrovic.
  • Medvedja and Crna Trava were without drinking water and phone service as several Serbian municipalities enacted emergency measures.
  • Bosnian authorities closed roads, reminded drivers about winter tires effective November 1, and cautioned that lowland rainfall raises flood and mudslide concerns.