Introduction
A Mediterranean low, which had formed over Spain and moved slowly over the Mediterranean Sea towards Italy, Croatia and further to the east - to the Balkan, caused during Feb, 10th to 12th 2010 extreme snowfall in Styria and Carinthia.
Figure 1.1: Surface chart 11 February 2010 0600UTC
Especially on February 10th, the low with the corresponding front system brought partly intensive snowfall. In Graz the snowrate was 30 cm within 24 hours.
On February 12th the total snow depth in Graz was 38 cm. Such a value occurs only every 5 years. During the same time, in Klagenfurt 31 cm snow depth accumulated.
The extreme snowfall and frosty street conditions caused traffic chaos with several car crashes and public transportation services delays. The fire brigade and the snow clearance were in continuous operation. Due to the remarkable snowfall, the avalanche warning was raised to alert level 3 (of 5) in some parts of Styria.
Figure 1.2: Snow covered car. Source Kronen Zeitung.
Figure 1.3: Snow clearance. Source Kleine Zeitung.
Figure 1.4: Avalanche warning. Source Kleine Zeitung.
Figure 1.5: Snow covered bicycles. Source Kleine Zeitung.