Austria: Snowstorm leaves at least 5 dead
Deutsche Welle
February 21, 2026
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A snowstorm swept through Austria on Friday, resulting in at least five fatalities. The severe weather conditions led to four deaths due to avalanches and one individual crushed by a snowplow in Linz. Skiers were particularly affected, with three losing their lives in a massive avalanche near St Anton ski resort. A German skier also perished in an avalanche in Nauders, while his 16-year-old son survived but sustained serious injuries.
The avalanche risk remains high across Austria's mountainous regions, with authorities urging skiers to avoid off-piste slopes. This season has already seen 21 deaths due to avalanches, underscoring the dangers of skiing in unstable snow conditions. The snowstorm also disrupted transportation, causing Vienna International Airport to halt flights temporarily and leading to widespread traffic accidents and power outages.
The storm dumped heavy snowfall across multiple areas, with some regions receiving up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) of snow. Road maintenance crews worked tirelessly to clear the snow, removing approximately 15,000 tons so far. Electric companies reported outages in several parts of the country, affecting thousands of households.
This event highlights the ongoing challenges posed by severe winter weather, not only for Austria but globally. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and monitoring weather conditions when engaging in outdoor activities like skiing. As authorities continue to respond to the crisis, travelers are advised to check flight statuses and exercise caution on the roads.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/21/2026