Central Europe: Adverse winter weather forecast across the region through at least Feb. 8

Heavy snowfall and strong winds forecast across parts of Central Europe through at least Feb. 8. Hazardous travel conditions likely.

Event

Heavy snowfall and strong winds are forecast across much of Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, far southern Poland, Slovakia, and southern Switzerland through at least Feb. 8.

As of Feb. 7, authorities have issued the following watches and warnings across the affected area:

Orange snow and ice warnings (the middle tier on a three-tier scale): parts of northern and western Czech Republic; and parts of far southern and far southeastern Germany.
Orange blizzard warnings: parts of far southern Poland; and parts of northern Slovakia.
Orange strong wind warnings: across most of eastern Germany, as well as parts of central and far southern Germany; parts of southwestern Slovakia; and parts of far southern and far southeastern Switzerland.
Orange thunderstorm warnings: around Bremen in northwestern Germany.
Yellow snow and ice warnings: parts of far eastern and central Austria; parts of central, northern, and western Czech Republic; parts of eastern, central, and far southern Germany; parts of far southern Poland; parts of northern Slovakia; and parts of far southeastern Switzerland.
Yellow strong wind warnings: across much of western, northern, and central Austria, as well as parts of eastern and southern Austria; all except far eastern Czech Republic; much of central, northwestern, and southeastern Germany; parts of northwestern and eastern Slovakia; and parts of southeastern Switzerland.
Yellow frost warnings: all except parts of southern Czech Republic.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

In addition to the heavy snow, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Sporadic power outages are possible throughout the affected area.

Transport
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in the region over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Dangerous and challenging 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.

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.