Czech Republic, Germany: Adverse winter weather forecast in places through at least Feb. 2

Event

Strong winds and heavy snowfall in elevated areas are forecast across much of the Czech Republic and Germany through at least Feb. 2. Rainfall, thunderstorms, sleet, ice, and frost are possible at lower elevations in parts of the affected countries. Heavy snowfall accumulations and blowing snow will likely lead to hazardous travel conditions in mountainous areas. Strong winds could cause property damage and power outages. Around 100,000 people were affected by power outages in Hazr District in Germany's Saxony-Anhalt state overnight Jan. 29-30 after freezing rain damaged a line at an electrical substation.

As of Jan. 30, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has issued the following warnings across the country:

• Orange snow warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of northern Hradec Kralove, northern and western Liberec, northwestern Moravian-Silesian, and northern Olomouc regions.

• Yellow snow warnings: Across Karlovy Vary and parts of southern and southwestern Central Bohemian, eastern Hradec Kralove, central, northwestern, and southeastern Liberec, northwestern and southeastern Moravian-Silesian, central, eastern and southwestern Olomouc, Pardubice, Plzen, South Bohemian, northern South Moravian, northern and western Usti nad Labem, Vysocina, eastern, northern, and southern Zlin.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across much of the country with the exception of southeastern parts of the country.

The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued the following warnings across the country:

• Red strong wind warnings (the second highest level on a four-tier scale): Parts of the Harz mountain range in southwestern Saxony-Anhalt State.

• Orange snowfall warnings: Parts of southern Saxony and eastern and southern Thuringia states.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Parts of northeastern North Rhine-Westphalia State.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Across much of the northern half of Germany, as well as some south-central, southeastern, southern, and southwestern areas.

• Orange ice warnings: Parts of east-central Baden-Wurttemberg State.

• Yellow snowfall warnings: Parts of eastern, northwestern, and southern Bavaria, central, eastern, and western Hesse, southeastern Lower Saxony, southeastern North Rhine-Westphalia, far northwestern Rhineland-Palatinate, southwestern Saxony-Anhalt, southern, Saxony, and much of Thuringia states.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across much of the rest of Germany not under orange warnings.

• Yellow ice and frost warnings: Across parts of central and southern Germany.

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. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways 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.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Czech Hydrometeorological Institue
German Weather Service (DWD)