Poland: Adverse winter weather forecast across much of the country through at least Jan. 23

Event

Heavy snowfall and other wintry precipitation are forecast across much of Poland through at least Jan. 23. Snowfall and freezing rain are forecast across parts of southern and eastern Poland Jan. 20, with snowfall accumulations of 10-30 cm (4-12 inches) possible across the affected area. Snowfall is expected to spread across much of the country Jan. 21, with eastern and northwestern regions receiving the least intense precipitation. The precipitation is forecast to mainly be concentrated in western Poland Jan. 22 and will be relatively less intense than during the previous two days.

As of Jan. 20, the Polish Institute of Meteorology and Water Management has issued the following weather warnings:

• Orange intense snowfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Across parts of central, eastern, and southern Lesser Poland, southeastern Silesia, and southern and southwestern Subcarpathia provinces.

• Yellow intense snowfall warnings: Across the rest of Lesser Poland, Silesia, and Subcarpathia provinces not under orange warnings, across Lublin and Swietokrzyskie provinces, and parts of eastern and southern Lodz, southern and southeastern Mazovia, southern Podlaskie, and eastern and southern Opole provinces.

• Yellow freezing rain warnings: Across Lublin Province and parts of eastern and southern Mazovia, central and southern Podlaskie, eastern and northern Subcarpathia, and eastern and northern Swietokrzyskie provinces.

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
Poland Institute of Meteorology and Water Management