Weather conditions in Hungary are gradually improving, with no snowfall or snowdrifts anticipated nationwide on Wednesday, according to HungaroMet. Dániel Mukics, spokesperson for the National Directorate General for Disaster Management (OKF), addressed these updates during a Budapest press briefing after a meeting of the operational task force.
Frosty Weather Persists Despite Improvements
Despite the easing conditions, Mukics cautioned against venturing onto frozen rivers, highlighting the significant risks involved. A warning has been issued for Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén and Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg counties due to the potential for freezing rain.
Travel Advisory
Travelers are encouraged to check weather updates at met.hu before heading out. If an alert is issued, it is advisable to avoid non-essential travel to ensure safety.
Forecast and Warnings
- Fog expected in southern regions on Thursday.
- No hazardous weather predicted for Friday.
- No road or settlement closures reported.
- No weight restrictions currently in effect.
Utilities and Transportation Updates
On Tuesday, power outages were experienced at 3,846 consumption points across twelve settlements and two districts in Budapest. By Wednesday morning, most issues had been resolved, with only nine locations in Budapest still affected.
Water supply disruptions were reported at 1,790 points across fourteen settlements. Currently, only 15 consumers in Tamási and 16 in Göd remain without access to drinking water.
Waste Collection and Snow Clearance
Waste collection services are functioning normally in 85% of the country, although minor delays are expected in some areas. In addition, 139 machines are actively engaged in snow clearance and de-icing operations.
Rail and Bus Services
Rail services are experiencing delays due to accident-related issues and switch failures. Replacement bus services are running with delays of 5 to 30 minutes, and some local bus routes have been temporarily suspended for safety reasons.
Air Traffic and Waterway Disruptions
On Tuesday, freezing rain affected air travel at Liszt Ferenc International Airport, halting all departures and arrivals between 10:25 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. This situation caused the diversion of eight flights to other airports in Graz, Zagreb, and Belgrade. Additionally, a cargo incident occurred involving an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft.
- Small boats and water sports are prohibited on the Danube due to ice drift.
- A full navigation ban is now in effect on the Tisza River.
Health and Emergency Response
Hospital departments reported a 30% increase in trauma patients, while emergency services saw a 10% rise in incidents, reflecting the dangers posed by freezing conditions. Fortunately, no surgeries were postponed due to the weather disturbances.
Firefighters were called to 112 weather-related incidents, including a notable fire at Fazekas Mihály Practice Primary School in Budapest, requiring the evacuation of 1,125 individuals.
Traffic Incidents and Safety Measures
On Tuesday, police responded to 212 traffic accidents involving 27 injuries. Officers also conducted 770 shoreline checks, issuing 26 warnings related to ice safety.
As milder weather approaches, the ice cover on natural waters is predicted to thin significantly. Mukics reiterated the critical message: “No one should go onto the ice of rivers—it is life-threatening.” Stay updated on weather-related news in Hungary through El-Balad.
