Heavy snow in Czech mountains prompts warning for drivers and hikers

Snow has returned to several Czech mountain areas, with heavy snowfall in the Beskydy Mountains and fresh snow overnight in the higher parts of the Jeseníky mountain range. More than ten centimetres have already fallen in the Beskydy and up to 30 centimetres could accumulate during the day.

Mountain roads are wet or slushy and drivers are being urged to use caution. Mountain rescue services are also warning hikers to be prepared for winter conditions and deep snow at higher altitudes.

Temperatures have dropped sharply after unusually warm weather earlier this week. Rain and snow above about 400 to 500 metres are expected to continue on Friday, with slightly warmer weather forecast for the weekend.