Autumn in Slovakia ended suddenly this year: on Friday, November 13, the first snow fell in the mountain areas. This immediately paralyzed traffic on some roads, especially in the north and center of the country.
According to Slovak media, due to heavy snowfall, the road near the Slovenský raj national park (Slovak Paradise) became impassable. Drivers whose routes passed through mountain passes had to look for detours. According to meteorologists' forecasts, some areas, especially in the Žilina and Prešov regions, may receive up to 10-12 centimeters of snow.
The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) issued a first-degree warning about snowfalls for northern districts. Besides snow, forecasters warn of strong winds that can cause drifts and icy roads. It will be especially dangerous in the Kysuce, Orava, Liptov, and Spiš regions. Drivers are urged to be very careful, keep distance, and if there is no urgent need, postpone trips to the mountains.
Road services are already working in an enhanced mode, but the situation on the roads can change very quickly. You can check if your road is passable on the official portal of the Slovak Road Administration. If you have not yet changed summer tires to winter tires, now is the time to do so. Further trips on summer tires are dangerous and may lead to fines. Read more about road traffic features in the country in our guide.
