Severe Snowstorm in Austria Causes Widespread Power Outages, Halts Flights, and Claims Two Lives

Vienna. Extensive power outages have resulted from a major snowstorm that hit Austria on Friday.

The storm has also caused disruptions to transportation services due to fallen trees and road damage. Officials stated that two people died, including one person buried in the snow.

Police reported that a 53-year-old man died in a residential complex in the northern city of Linz after a slab of snow fell from the roof.

Police also confirmed the death of a German 'ski' athlete in an avalanche in the western Tyrol region.

Snowfall in the Alpine nation of Austria has accumulated up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) on the ground since Thursday, increasing the risk of avalanches in areas surrounding the southeastern city of Graz.

Vienna Airport stated that all morning flights were temporarily suspended, and afternoon flights experienced 'disruptions' for some time.

“One of the main highways around Vienna was closed for an indefinite (several hours) period, and other parts of the highway were blocked due to snow drifts, stranded vehicles, or poor visibility,” reported the National Automobile Association (OAMTC).

Electric companies reported power cuts in several southern and eastern regions, including Styria, where 30,000 households lost electricity service.

Local media reported that 40,000 households were also affected in Slovenia.