Heavy overnight snowfall across much of Lithuania has created hazardous driving conditions, with officials warning that traffic disruptions are likely to continue throughout Wednesday, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the country.
Road maintenance officials said snow accumulation has significantly complicated travel nationwide. Conditions are especially poor in and around Vilnius, as well as in southeastern and northern regions.
In the capital, public transport delays are possible, according to JUDU, the city’s transport authority. Commuters are urged to plan trips in advance and allow extra travel time.
Vilnius city road maintenance company Grinda said its snowplows worked throughout the night clearing streets and sidewalks, including in the Old Town. All available equipment remains deployed, with salt spreaders and mobile crews stationed at major hills and traffic arteries, including Gariūnai Hill, Savanorių Avenue, Tūkstantmečio Street, and the intersections of Tūkstantmečio with Darius and Girėnas streets.
“Under these conditions, it is impossible to ensure fully safe traffic flow,” Grinda said in a Facebook post. “Traffic conditions will remain difficult as long as precipitation continues, which is forecast until midday.”
Drivers are asked to give way to snowplows and road maintenance vehicles during peak hours, depart earlier than usual, allow extra travel time and, if possible, avoid nonessential trips. Officials noted that wet snow is particularly difficult to clear.
According to JUDU’s traffic monitoring system, at least 15 traffic congestion points were recorded in Vilnius at about 09:15. The most difficult traffic conditions were observed on Geležinio Vilko, Kareivių, Olandų, Pavilnionių, Ozo, Antakalnio, Jasinskio, Kalvarijų and Drujos streets, as well as Laisvės and Pilaitė avenues and the Eišiškių highway.
JUDU also reported three traffic accidents in the city, occurring on Gervėčių, Pergalės and Rinktinės streets. No injuries were immediately reported.
Nationwide, state road operator Kelių priežiūra said snowfall overnight affected all major roads. Company spokesperson Rimantas Zagrebajevas told LRT RADIO that the heaviest snowfall was recorded around Vilnius and in southeastern and northern Lithuania, where snow cover in some areas has reached up to 30 centimetres.
“Snow cover varies significantly across the country, and temperature contrasts increase the risk of mixed precipitation,” Zagrebajevas said, adding that road maintenance work must be repeated continuously due to changing weather conditions.
More than 400 road maintenance vehicles were deployed across Lithuania in the past 24 hours.
Zagrebajevas said difficult driving conditions are expected to persist throughout Wednesday, with freezing rain possible in some areas.
“Drivers should remain especially cautious, stay alert and follow all safety recommendations,” he said.
Road officials continue to advise motorists to reduce speed, avoid sudden manoeuvres and maintain a greater distance between vehicles, as braking distances are significantly longer under current conditions.
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