Red Alert for Black Ice in Styria and Lower Austria

A treacherous mix of thawing snow and freezing temperatures has triggered a severe weather warning across eastern and southern Austria. GeoSphere Austria has issued a “Red Alert” for Styria and Lower Austria, warning of widespread black ice (Glatteis) that has turned roads and pavements into skating rinks overnight.

The dangerous conditions are the result of a rapid temperature fluctuation. Melting snow from earlier in the week has refrozen on cold ground surfaces, creating an invisible layer of ice that is notoriously difficult for drivers and pedestrians to detect until they lose traction.

“Invisible” Danger on the Roads

Meteorologists warn that this specific weather pattern creates one of the most hazardous driving environments possible. “It looks like wet pavement but behaves like glass,” a GeoSphere spokesperson explained.

Police in Graz and St. Pölten have already confirmed a rise in minor rear-end collisions and cars sliding off rural roads. Authorities are urging commuters to exercise extreme caution, particularly during early morning and late evening hours when refreezing is most severe. The conditions are affecting major transit routes, potentially impacting rail and bus connections as operators slow down for safety.

Safety Advice for Residents

Local governments have mobilized road maintenance crews to spread salt and grit, but officials warn that salt may be less effective in areas where the ice layer is continuously replenishing due to freezing rain or runoff.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to:

• Avoid unnecessary car journeys until midday when temperatures rise.
• Wear slip-resistant footwear if walking is necessary.
• Maintain a significantly increased braking distance on highways.

This alert comes just weeks after severe winter storms disrupted travel across the country. With Austria’s busiest winter travel corridors affected, the warning has quickly become a trending topic online, with searches for “road conditions Graz” spiking this morning.

Weekend Outlook

As the thaw continues, GeoSphere Austria will monitor conditions closely. While temperatures are expected to stabilize by the weekend, the risk of “blitz-ice” remains high in shaded areas and on bridges. For now, Styria and Lower Austria remain on high alert, with safety officials emphasizing vigilance until the frost lifts.