A severe winter storm has hit the Alps, causing significant snowfall and triggering a high avalanche risk in several European regions. In Austria, western states like Vorarlberg and Tyrol are experiencing heavy snow, with warnings in effect until February 18th, and the potential for freezing rain. Major transit routes, including parts of the B179 and Miemingerstraße in Tyrol, were temporarily closed due to accidents and stranded trucks, leading to extensive traffic jams. The Swiss canton of Wallis has issued the highest warning level due to the risk of avalanches reaching inhabited areas, prompting evacuations in Orsières. Experts anticipate further increases in avalanche danger across the Swiss canton of Graubünden.