First Snowfall of the Season Blankets Budapest

Hey there, folks! Guess what? The first snowfall of the season has finally arrived in Budapest! That’s right, the Hungarian capital woke up to a beautiful white blanket of snow on Friday morning. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting event and how the city is coping with the wintery conditions.

The Snowfall

It all started in the early hours of Friday, around 3 am, when the snow began to fall intensely across the entire city, just as the weather forecasts had predicted. The Budapest Public Utilities (FKF) had already taken precautionary measures by carrying out preventive spreading of salt on the roads before the snow arrived. They continue to urge drivers to only set out in vehicles that are in good technical condition and equipped with winter tires.

Snow Removal Efforts

The FKF’s sanitation division has been working tirelessly to clear the snow from Budapest’s road network. During the night shift, more than 60 winter-purpose vehicles were deployed to tackle the snow-covered roads. In addition to the classic snowplows, smaller machines were used to de-ice bicycle paths and public sidewalks. The snow removal efforts are continuing intensively during the day shift as well.

Priority Areas

Budapest’s roads are cleared according to a strict priority order determined by regulations. The FKF first focuses on bridges, overpasses, highways, and the main traffic routes leading into the city. Next, they tackle the mountain sections of bus routes and other public transport routes. After that, roads leading to hospitals, clinics, and logistics bases that ensure the supply of the population are attended to. Only after the main roads have been cleared can work begin on the secondary road network, including the secondary roads in the Buda hills.

Safety Precautions

The Budapest Public Utilities strongly urges the people of Budapest and those arriving in the city by car to only set out in vehicles that are in good technical condition and equipped with winter tires. This is crucial for protecting their own physical safety and that of others traveling in the city, as well as to avoid accidents. It’s important to note that stranded, skidded, or immobilized cars often hinder the scheduled operation of BKK buses and can even make it impossible to de-ice the roads.

Public Transport Recommendation

During periods affected by snowfall and slippery roads, which usually last for a day or two, the Budapest Public Utilities asks those who normally travel by their own vehicles to use public transport in the city instead. They also urge drivers to be cautious of their employees working in the city and performing public tasks. It’s essential that drivers do not overtake the vehicles involved in de-icing and snow removal while driving, as the road surface is obviously cleaner and the road conditions are better behind the work machines.

Responsibility of Property Owners

It’s important to know that de-icing and snow removal in the capital is a multi-player task. The owners or operators of properties are responsible for de-icing the sidewalks in front of their buildings. In the case of condominiums, the community of residents must ensure that the section of sidewalk in front of the building is cleared.

Conclusion

As Budapest experiences its first snowfall of the season, the city is working hard to ensure the safety and smooth flow of traffic. With the dedicated efforts of the FKF staff and the cooperation of the public, the city is well-equipped to handle the wintery conditions. So, let’s embrace the beauty of the snow-covered streets, take necessary precautions, and enjoy this magical time in Budapest!

Image source: Budapest City Hall