Europe: Storm Malik to bring strong winds across parts of northern and central Europe through at least Jan. 31 /update 2

Event

Storm Malik is forecast to continue to bring adverse weather including strong winds and snow across Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Netherlands, Denmark, southern Sweden, southern Norway, and southern Finland through at least Jan. 31.

As of early Jan. 31, authorities have issued the following warnings:

• Red heavy snow warnings (the highest level on a four-tier scale): far southern Germany

• Orange snow warnings: western Czech Republic

• Orange wind warnings: northwestern Netherlands and southern German

• Yellow ice warnings: most of Germany, much of Poland, and southeastern Finland

• Yellow wind warnings: coastal areas of southeastern Sweden, coastal areas of southern Norway, and the rest of Netherlands

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days. Sporadic power outages are possible throughout the affected area.

Storm Malik caused two fatalities in the UK and one fatality each in Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, and Denmark Jan. 29 due to strong winds. Authorities evacuated 20 people with daily care needs from Frederikssund, Region Hovedstaden, Denmark, in advance of the storm due to the risk of flooding.

Transport
The winter weather could cause ground and air transport disruptions in the region over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roads in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports. Flights at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) are delayed or canceled Jan. 31 due to the storm. Train services were disrupted across the affected area Jan. 29-30 due to the strong winds; as of Jan. 31, most services have since resumed.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Deutscher Wetterdienst (German)
Danish Meteorological Institute (Danish)
Finnish Meteorological Institute (Finnish)
Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (Dutch)
Norwegian Meteorological Institute (Norwegian)
Poland Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (Polish)
Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (Swedish)