Conclusion
Mediterranean lows often occur in the cold season. Due to cold air advection from the north and warm air advection from the warm Mediterranean Sea, the potential for cyclogenesis is very high.
Especially the permanent appearance of upper level lows, which deliver cold air to the surface low and which are responsible for instability, influence the development of depressions positive. Because of the blocking position the weather situation does not change much, hence the front system remains at the same place for some days and increases the exposure for damages.
These lows are also quite different in their impact. Due to the direction of the upper air flow they can influence whole Austria or they can only touch the south. Therefore it is important to be aware of the potential.
All in all, the forecast of this weather event was quite well. The beginning and the ending of the snowfall was well estimated. The difficulties were in the forecast of the snow amount. To estimate the exact snow amount the consideration of several factors are necessary, like topography, model characteristics and the composition of the snow.
With each appearance of a Mediterranean low a new challenge for the forecasters is given.