Hungary paralyzed by heaviest snowfall in 15 years as more snow looms

Hungary is facing its most severe snowfall in more than a decade, with large parts of the country buried under deep snow. 

What began as a winter storm has escalated into a nationwide disruption, affecting transport, public safety and daily life.

Snow has blanketed cities and rural areas alike, making many secondary roads impassable and slowing traffic on major routes. 

Public transport systems are under strain, with bus and rail services reporting widespread delays and cancellations. 

Crews are working to clear tracks and roads, but drifting snow and falling temperatures are complicating efforts. 

Emergency services are on high alert after recording a surge in calls linked to traffic accidents, stranded vehicles, and weather-related incidents. 

Authorities say rescue teams and snowplows are operating nonstop as conditions worsen. Officials warn that travel should be avoided unless necessary.

The impact is being felt beyond transport. Shelters in major cities are operating at or near capacity as temperatures drop and snowfall intensifies. 

Local governments are reviewing contingency plans, including possible school closures, if heating systems fail or access becomes unsafe.

Meteorologists describe the event as rare, driven by a powerful weather system bringing moisture into freezing air over the region. 

The result is a snow cover not seen in many parts of the country in 10 to 15 years, with the risk of prolonged disruption if forecasts hold.