Czech Republic, Slovakia: Adverse winter weather forecast across parts of both countries through at least Jan. 18

Event

Heavy snowfall is forecast across much of the Czech Republic and parts of central Slovakia through at least Jan. 18, as well as heavy rainfall for parts of eastern Slovakia. As of Jan. 17, the respective meteorological agencies have issued the following watches and warnings across the affected countries.

• Orange snow warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of southern Central Bohemian, northern and eastern South Bohemian, and western Vsyocina regions in the Czech Republic; and northern and eastern Banska Bystrica, western Kosice, and western Presov regions in Slovakia.

• Yellow snow warnings: Across Hradec Kralove, Pardubice, Plzen, and Prague regions, the rest of South Bohemian and Vsyocina regions not under orange warnings, and parts of central, eastern, and western Central Bohemian, northwestern Moravian-Silesian, northern and western Olomouc, and central, northern, and western South Moravian regions in the Czech Republic; and parts of central, eastern, northern, and southeastern Banska Bystrica, central and northeastern Kosice, central, northwestern, and southern Presov, and eastern and southern Zilina regions in Slovakia.

• Yellow rainfall warnings: Parts of central, eastern, and western Kosice and eastern Presov regions in Slovakia.

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
Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute