BUDAPEST, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Freezing rain, snowfall and sharply colder temperatures caused widespread disruption across Hungary on Friday, prompting weather warnings, travel advisories and changes to school schedules in several regions.
The national meteorological service HungaroMet issued second-degree (orange) weather alerts for parts of southern and western Hungary, warning that persistent freezing rain could exceed five millimeters in some areas. Third-degree (red) warnings were also in effect in parts of the region, while additional orange and first-degree alerts covered large stretches of western and central Hungary.
Forecasters said the icy conditions raised the risk of falling tree branches and damage to power lines, increasing dangers for both road users and pedestrians.
The National Directorate General for Disaster Management urged residents in affected areas to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Spokesperson Daniel Mukics called on drivers who must be on the roads to exercise extreme caution and ensure vehicles are properly equipped for winter conditions.
He also advised motorists to carry extra fuel, warm clothing, food, water and fully charged mobile phones, and warned against parking vehicles under trees or overhead cables.
The severe weather also disrupted public services. Several schools shortened teaching hours or switched to online classes, while some institutions temporarily suspended in-person education altogether. Education officials said school leaders were authorized to adjust schedules based on local conditions.
Transport was significantly affected. Hungarian State Railways (MAV) reported delays and operational problems, particularly along the northern shore of Lake Balaton, citing frozen track switches and strong winds. Bus services continued nationwide, though longer travel times were reported. Budapest Airport also warned of possible flight delays and cancellations in the coming days.
The latest spell of freezing rain follows several days of heavy snowfall and strong winds earlier this week, which had already strained road and rail networks in parts of the country.
According to forecasts, precipitation is expected to gradually ease over the weekend, but colder, dry weather is likely to persist into the coming days, with overnight temperatures dropping well below freezing in many regions and plunging under minus 20 in the northeast. ■