Czech Republic, Poland: Adverse weather forecast across the Czech Republic and southwestern parts of Poland through at least May 21

Event

Thunderstorms are forecast across the Czech Republic and parts of southwestern Poland from late May 20-early May 21. The thunderstorms may be accompanied by heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail storms. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI) has warned of winds gusts up to 90 kph (56 mph) and short downpours of around 3.5 cm (1.4 inches) across northwestern parts of the country, with wind gusts up to 70 kph (43 mph) and similar downpours possible across the rest of the country. The Polish Institute of Meteorology and Water Management - National Research Institute (IMGW-PIB) has warned of wind gusts initially up to 70 kph (43 mph) intensifying through the night to 90 kph (56 mph) across southwestern regions, with localized gusts reaching 100 kph (62 mph), along with downpours initially of 1-1.5 cm (0.4-0.6 inches) of rainfall intensifying to 1.5-2.5 cm (0.6-1 inches).

As of May 20, the meteorological agencies for the respective countries have issued the following warnings across:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Karlovy Vary, Liberec, and Usti nad Labem regions in the Czech Republic; and across Lower Silesia and Opole provinces as well as parts of southwestern Lubuz and western, central, and southern Silesia provinces in Poland.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: across the rest of the Czech Republic.

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

Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash and areal flooding in parts of the affected area. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Strong winds associated with the storms could down power lines and cause power outages in the affected area.

Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected regions.

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.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI)
Poland Institute of Meteorology and Water Management - National Research Institute (IMGW-PIB)