These warnings apply primarily to the road conditions, whilst differentiating between the following hazards:

• Slippery conditions due to packed snow: Snow that has frozen solid on the roads (up to 4 cm thick)
• Black ice: Wet roads which subsequently freeze over as a result of clear skies at night
• Icy roads: Cold or cooled precipitation (freezing rain/drizzle/fog precipitation) that falls onto a road sur-face with a temperature below 0 degrees, thus freezing solid instantly
• Rime ice: High levels of moisture that freezes on supercooled road

Warnings of slippery conditions are issued up to 800 m above sea level on the northern side of the Alps and up to 1600 m above sea level on the southern side of the Alps. Slippery road warnings are only issued in levels 2 - 4.

Meaning of danger level 2 (moderate danger)

There is a risk of skidding.

Recommendations for action

• Stay informed of the driving conditions before and during the journey (e.g. via radio, by calling the 163 telephone service, through television or online media).
• Avoid driving if possible.
• Be careful when driving and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

Additional information

• Hard-packed snow (less than 4 cm, road temperature of < 0 degrees)
• Black ice (wet surfaces that have frozen over)
• Glaze ice (freezing rain)
• Clear ice

Meaning of danger level 3 (considerable danger)

There is a risk of skidding. Roads may be icy and difficult to drive on. Disruptions to air and road travel are to be expected.

Recommendations for action

• Stay informed of the driving conditions before and during the journey (e.g. via radio, by calling the 163 telephone service, through television or online media).
• Avoid driving if possible.
• Be careful when driving and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

Additional information

Freezing rain: up to 2 mm (total precipitation volume freezing on the ground).

Meaning of danger level 4 (high danger)

There is a risk of skidding. Roads may be icy and difficult to drive on. Disruptions to road and air travel are to be expected.

Recommendations for action

• Stay informed of the driving conditions before and during the journey (e.g. via radio, by calling the 163 telephone service, through television or online media).
• Avoid driving if possible.
• Be careful when travelling and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

Additional information

Freezing rain: over 2 mm (total precipitation volume freezing on the ground).