An unexpected early snowfall has swept across parts of Europe, plunging thousands of homes into darkness and crippling infrastructure across the Western Balkans. As trees gave way under the weight of heavy snow, power lines collapsed, and roads became impassable, all before mid-October.
Meanwhile, the UK braces for its own bout of severe weather, as Storm Amy gears up to lash the country with rain and winds reaching up to 100mph.
Shock Snowfall Sweeps Europe
In a dramatic shift from recent warmth, thick snow blanketed hilly and mountainous areas of Serbia and Bosnia on Friday. Wet and heavy, the snow caused widespread damage, tearing down power lines and felling trees.
Meteorologist Slobodan Sovilj from Serbia’s state Hydrometeorological Service warned that snowfall in some regions could break long-standing records for October, with higher altitudes already seeing over half a metre of accumulation.
“We have a number of areas without electricity because of broken trees and branches that fell on power lines,” said Aleksandar Mitrovic, head of the Ivanjica municipality in central Serbia.
It wasn’t just the power that went out. The southwestern towns of Medvedja and Crna Trava were left without drinking water or phone services, according to local officials.
With temperatures dropping fast, several Serbian municipalities declared emergency measures to handle the chaos. Roads in parts of Bosnia were also shut down, as authorities urged caution and reminded drivers of the legal requirement for winter tyres starting 1 November.
In a striking image of the sudden weather change, Bosnia’s Jahorina ski resort a popular destination just outside Sarajevo, transformed overnight into a snow-covered landscape.
“We came here in flip-flops and now we need boots and jackets,” said tourist Sandra Majstorovic, caught off guard by the snowfall.
Unstable Weather Signals Bigger Climate Warnings
Just weeks ago, temperatures in the region hovered around 30°C. Over the summer, heatwaves pushed the mercury above 40°C, now replaced by freezing conditions and thick snow.
Experts say these extreme swings are becoming more frequent.
Abrupt weather changes from record heat to early snowstorms point to wider climate instability across Europe. The early snowfall has highlighted just how fast conditions can flip, leaving little time for communities to prepare.
Homes plunged into darkness. Phone’s dead. Roads buried. All in a matter of hours. This wasn’t just a snow day; it was a wake-up call.
UK on High Alert as Storm Amy Approaches
While the Balkans battle snow and outages, the UK faces its own weather threat. Storm Amy, the season’s first named storm, is sweeping in from the Atlantic with force.
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for Scotland and Northern Ireland, with gusts of up to 100mph expected in coastal areas.
Ferry services in western Scotland have already been cancelled, and schools in Northern Ireland closed early on Friday as a precaution.
A warning for heavy rainfall is in effect for western Scotland and Northern Ireland from midday Friday, with the system expected to move south through the evening and into Saturday, affecting much of England, including the south coast.
Moreover, 1,000 properties were left powerless during Storm Amy’s fiercest moments. Authorities are urging the public to stay indoors where possible and prepare for potential disruptions to travel and power.
Europe Faces a Chaotic Weather Season
From the Balkans to Britain, the weather across Europe is growing more erratic by the year. Early snowstorms and powerful Atlantic storms are no longer rare anomalies; they’re becoming part of a rapidly changing climate landscape.
And as this week’s surprise snowfall proved, winter might just be arriving earlier than anyone expected.
