Heating was suspended for thousands of residents in Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, after snowstorm swept the continental part of Croatia on Wednesday, local meteorological authorities said on Thursday.

The heavy snowstorm has left up to 80 centimeters of snow in some areas of Lika and Gorski Kotar region and expected to reach up to 40 centimeters in Zagreb on Friday, according to Croatian state meteorological and hydrological service (DHMZ).

Strong north-eastern wind has forced the suspension of ferry and other maritime transport services between Croatian Adriatic coast and its islands, according to local media report.

Meanwhile, several roads and highways, including the one from the coastal city of Rijeka to Zagreb, were closed, according to the DHMZ.

According to the DHMZ, bad weather is expected to continue until Saturday.