- by croatiaweek
- March 26, 2026
-
in
News
A6 Zagreb-Rijeka motorway this afternoon (Photo: HAK)
A sudden deterioration in weather conditions has disrupted major transport links between inland Croatia and the Adriatic coast on Thursday, after heavy snow, strong winds and rough seas swept across parts of the country.
Authorities issued the highest red weather alert for areas around Rijeka and Gospić as a cold front brought intense snowfall and gale-force winds.
The severe conditions have forced the closure of key road routes used by freight traffic travelling between the interior and the coastal regions of Kvarner, Istria and Dalmatia.
Traffic authorities reported that no open road routes are currently available for lorries with trailers or articulated trucks travelling towards the coast or back inland.
Restrictions are in place on several major routes, including motorway and state road sections crossing mountainous regions where winter conditions have developed rapidly.
In mountainous regions such as Gorski Kotar and Lika, snowfall has created full winter driving conditions, prompting further restrictions for heavy vehicles.
Snow clearance operations are underway, with winter service vehicles working to clear and treat roads.
Strong winds along the coast have also affected traffic and maritime transport. The bridge connecting the mainland with the island of Krk was temporarily closed to all vehicles due to powerful gusts.
Several ferry, catamaran and passenger ship routes along the Adriatic have been suspended because of rough seas.
Emergency services in Istria have already responded to more than twenty incidents linked to the storm, mostly involving fallen trees blocking roads and damage caused by strong winds. Despite the disruptions, authorities say the situation remains under control.
Drivers are being urged to delay travel where possible, ensure vehicles are equipped with winter gear and closely monitor official traffic updates until weather conditions improve.
Due to adverse weather conditions, the following are suspended.
Ferry lines Brestova – Porozina and Ploče – Trpanj;
Catamaran lines Mali Lošinj – Cres – Rijeka, Rijeka – Rab – Novalja, Ubli – Korčula – Dubrovnik, Split – Stari Grad and Ubli – Vela Luka – Hvar – Split;
Ship lines Zadar – Sali – Zaglav – Zadar, Mali Lošinj – Unije – Susak and Dubrovnik – Koločep – Lopud – Suđurađ.
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