19 Jul 2023 | 01:15 PM UTC
Romania: Adverse weather forecast across northern, southern, and western regions through at least July 21
Severe weather forecast across parts of Romania through at least July 21. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across much of northern, southern, and western Romania through at least July 21. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail will likely accompany storms. Rainfall amounts of 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 inches) in the space of a few hours are expected across the affected area, as well as winds gusting up to 100 kph (62 mph) in places. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.
As of July 19, the Romanian National Meteorological Administration has the following warnings across the affected area:
Orange unstable weather warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Caras-Severin, Dolj, Gorj, Mehedinti, and Timis counties.
Yellow unstable weather warnings: Across the rest of the affected area.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where severe weather impacts utility networks.
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout affected regions. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather will also likely trigger flight delays and cancelations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in flood-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
