Snow and wind bring chaos to Croatian motorways

(Photo: HAC)

Severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and strong winds, have wreaked havoc across Croatian motorways on Friday, leading to widespread disruptions and closures.

The winter storm has particularly impacted critical routes, stranding vehicles and creating dangerous driving conditions.

Major Motorway Closures

The A1 Zagreb-Ploče-Karamatići motorway, a key artery connecting northern and southern Croatia, has been completely closed to all traffic between the Sveti Rok and Posedarje junctions due to powerful winds, the Croatian Auto Club reported.

Similarly, the Paški Bridge remains open solely for passenger cars, limiting access to the island of Pag.

A number of ferry and catamaran lines connecting to Croatian islands have also been cancelled today.

Gorski Kotar and Lika Cut Off

Heavy snowfall in the mountainous regions of Gorski Kotar and Lika has rendered routes between the interior and the coastal areas of Dalmatia, Rijeka, and Istria inaccessible for articulated lorries and vehicles without winter equipment.

The lack of a clear passage has effectively isolated these regions for certain types of vehicles.

Restrictions on Other Key Routes

The adverse weather has prompted additional traffic bans:

• On the DC99 state road between Križišće and the local road Kraljevica-Križišće (LC58107).

• Along the Adriatic Highway (DC8) between Bakar and Senj, buses, motorbikes, and vehicles towing trailers are prohibited.

• From Senj to Sveta Marija Magdalena, the ban extends to delivery vehicles and those with covered cargo spaces.

Hazardous Conditions Nationwide

Snowfall is reported across the interior, particularly in Gorski Kotar, Lika, and parts of eastern Croatia. Combined with freezing temperatures, icy road surfaces are a significant risk.

Drivers are urged to adjust their speed and driving style to the conditions and are reminded not to travel without appropriate winter equipment.

Additional road closures due to maintenance works compound the difficulties. On the A4 Goričan-Zagreb motorway, the exit ramp at the Sesvete junction is closed for traffic coming from Goričan.

Meanwhile, on the A6 Rijeka-Zagreb motorway, several exit ramps are closed, including those at the Oštrovica junction towards Krk and Crikvenica, as well as the Orehovica junction towards Trsat from Zagreb.

With the combination of snow, ice, and strong winds, motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel. The authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide updates, but until conditions improve, disruptions are likely to persist.

For the latest traffic information, travellers are encouraged to consult official sources before embarking on their journeys.