AUSTRIA/POLAND: Austria and Southern Poland hit by heavy snowfall
- 00:00:05
- ITN Source
AUSTRIA/POLAND: Austria and Southern Poland hit by heavy snowfall
Thousands of motorists in Austria and Poland have their journeys disrupted by heavy snow falls which have been caused by a low pressure over the Balkans. Thousands of cars were trapped overnight on a motorway ring around Vienna after trucks slipped on the snow-covered road and blocked it. Around 100 Red Cross helpers were handing out blankets, tea and sausages to motorists and were evacuating children and mothers after up to 50 centimetres (20 inches) of snow fell in the area around the Austrian capital. "The winter rescue service is prepared and is in full demand. The lorries are driving with summer tyres and uneven loads and got stuck on the incline of the A21. The road clearing vehicles can't get through and other cars can't get by the stranded lorries because they are blocking the road. We mobilised all relief units which all worked together very efficiently and are trying to care for the vehicles which are stuck. The passengers were secured in most cases and taken to emergency shelters," said Viktor Geyrhofer, Head of the Autobhan Service. Austrian weather forecaster ZAMG said the snowfalls were the heaviest in the Vienna area in November since 1995. While there were no major accidents, many drivers were still stuck in their cars on Friday (November 16) morning as the motorway was gradually cleared. Policed blamed trucks' inadequate summer tyres for the roadblocks. ZAMG said snowfalls would abate during Friday morning. "The police don't know how long the highway will still be closed. So we have been waiting since 6 o'clock in the morning," said one motorist. In Poland traffic has been delayed due to snowfall in the Silesia region. According to local traffic officials, most of the roads are passable, but movement is restricted. The authorities are advising drivers to take caution. The Beskidy mountain area has also seen heavy snowfall, but border crossings with the Czech Republic remain operational. db/jrc
ITN Source | November 16, 2007
