Winter storm disrupts travel as crews battle icy roads and freezing temperatures

A sudden cold snap turned Sunday into a battle against ice and delays. From slippery roads to health warnings, here’s how the region is coping with the deep freeze.

, and ASMedia

2026 January 20 . 3:24 AM

1 min read

The image shows a winter landscape with a village in the background. We can see a group of people... — The image shows a winter landscape with a village in the background. We can see a group of people skating on a frozen river, surrounded by trees, houses with roofs and windows, a bridge, and birds flying in the sky. The sky is cloudy, adding to the wintery atmosphere.

Winter storm disrupts travel as crews battle icy roads and freezing temperatures

A wintry mix swept through the region on Sunday, causing MDOT SHA to deploy hundreds of workers and contractors to tackle the worst-affected areas first. Using infrared sensors and weather stations, they prioritised high-risk zones. Crews will continue patrolling for icy patches after sunset and into Monday morning as temperatures plummet below freezing.

The cold snap has already disrupted daily routines. Dominic Callaway's usual commute took 10 minutes longer due to slippery conditions. Meanwhile, health officials urged caution, especially for those with chronic medical conditions. Dr. Gregory Corcoran, chief of emergency medicine at Sinai Hospital, advised people to bundle up or stay indoors if possible. He highlighted frostbite and hypothermia as major risks in such cold weather. Elsewhere, Eurac Research, leading the BeyondSnow project, has revised strategies for managing reduced snowfall in alpine regions. The new approach involves ten winter sports destinations across Italy, Slovenia, France, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. The change aims to adapt to shifting winter weather conditions, though the exact date of implementation remains unclear.

Road crews will remain on alert overnight to prevent ice buildup. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities and avoid strenuous tasks like shovelling snow. The cold weather is expected to persist, keeping emergency services and transport teams on high alert.