Balkans Battered by Surprise October Snowstorm, Thousands Lose Power

As of October 3rd, 2025, a surprise early snowstorm has caused widespread disruption across the Western Balkans, leaving thousands without electricity. The heavy, wet snow has blanketed hilly and mountainous regions of Serbia and Bosnia, felling power distribution lines and trees.

Meteorologists report that over half a meter of snow has already accumulated at higher altitudes, with the potential to reach record levels for October. "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.

The heavy snowfall has also led to the closure of several roads in Bosnia, with authorities urging drivers to be extra cautious and switch to winter tires. The sudden wintry conditions have caught many by surprise, with one tourist at the Jahorina ski center near Sarajevo saying, "We came here in flip-flops and now we need boots and jackets."

In addition to the power outages, the persistent rainfall in lower areas has raised concerns of potential floods and mudslides. Experts say that such extreme weather conditions can be linked to the effects of climate change, which has brought both unseasonably hot and cold spells to the region in recent months.