27 Jul 2022 | 10:39 AM UTC
Romania: Adverse weather forecast across multiple regions through at least July 28
Thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rainfall forecast across parts of Romania through at least July 28. Disruptions possible.
Event
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are forecast over portions of north-central, central, southwestern, southern, southeastern, and eastern Romania through at least July 28. Storms could be accompanied by hail and lightning. Parts of the affected area could receive rainfall accumulations of 4-6 cm (1.6-2.4 inches) as well as wind gusting up to 90 kph (56 mph).
The National Meteorological Administration has warned the most severe weather is expected across parts of southern Moldavia, northern and eastern Muntenia, and northern Dobrogea regions mid-late July 27 and parts of northern Oltenia and Muntenia regions as well as southern and sub Carpathian regions July 28. As of July 27, the administration has issued the following warnings regarding the unstable weather across the affected area:
Orange warnings (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale): Southern Alba, Arges, Bacau, Braila, southern Brasov, Buzau, eastern Caras-Severin, southern and eastern Covasna, Dambovita, Galati, Gorj, southern Hunedoara, Ialomita, Mehedinti, Prahova, southern Sibiu, Tulcea, Valcea, Vaslui, and Vrancea counties.
Yellow 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.
Hazardous Conditions
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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
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 could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
