In Upper Styria

Dozens of Styrian roads still closed

The Styrian fire departments fought tirelessly on Easter Monday against the devastation caused by the Föhn storm.(Bild: BFVMZ)

The day after the big storm, the emergency services in Styria are still working at full capacity. Two forest fires in particular are causing problems for the fire departments. But there are also still restrictions on road traffic. 

More than 2000 firefighters were working tirelessly on Easter Monday. And on Tuesday, two forest fires in Wildalpen (where around ten hectares were affected) and Großreifling kept a total of 300 firefighters busy. The mountain rescue team was also on site, providing safety during ascents and descents in rough terrain. Helicopters were also used in an attempt to control the blaze.

The mountain rescue team carries out safety work during forest fires and is also on standby with two emergency teams in the event of an emergency.(Bild: Bergrettung Steiermark)

In Ilz in eastern Styria, the storm even claimed two lives (we reported). The big clean-up after the strong foehn continues on Tuesday. Numerous roads are still impassable.

For example, the Lahnsattel Straße (B 23) between Mürzsteg and Terz, the Erlauftal Straße (B 25) between Mosslandl and Gams, the B 75 between Donnersbachwald and Donnersbach, the Gaberl Straße (B 77) between Kleinlobming and Judenburg, the Leobner Straße between Leoben and St. Michael and also the B 21 between Ulrichsberg Siedlung and Mariazell is only passable in the direction of Lower Austria; the closure is expected to last until 7.30 pm on Tuesday. In addition, several provincial roads throughout Upper Styria are still impassable.

The forest fire in Wildalpen has still not been completely extinguished.(Bild: Jürgen Niess/FF Kapfenberg Diemlach)

A fierce forest fire raged in Krampen near Neuberg an der Mürz on Easter Monday.(Bild: BFVMZ)

The storm also continues to have an impact on rail traffic: the Ennstalbahn between Schladming and Haus is expected to be interrupted until Thursday (April 4) - as is the Salzkammergutbahn between Obertraun and Stainach-Irdning station, where the disruption should be resolved by Wednesday (April 3), according to ÖBB.

(Bild: Energie Steiermark)

Hundreds of households are still without power, especially in Upper Styria.(Bild: Energie Steiermark)

The fitters from Energie Steiermark are also still under pressure. "There are currently still faults at around 30 transformer stations," says Group spokesperson Urs Harnik. In the Neuberg/Mürz, Weißenbach and Kammern areas, a total of 200 residents are therefore still without power. "Over the course of the day, however, at least the provisional supply should be ensured."