Poland, Slovakia: Adverse winter weather forecast across much of both countries through at least Feb. 6

Event

Heavy snowfall and strong winds are forecast across much of Poland and Slovakia through at least Feb. 6. The combination of snowfall and gusty winds will likely lead to blizzard conditions in some areas. Hazardous travel conditions are likely due to icy roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.

As of Feb. 3, the respective meteorological agencies have issued the following weather warnings:

• Orange snowfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Across southern Lesser Poland and southeastern Silesia provinces in Poland; and across much of Zilina and parts of western Presov regions in Slovakia.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Parts of southern and southeastern Lower Silesia Province in Poland; and across Bratislava, Nitra, and Trnava and parts of far western Trencin regions in Slovakia.

• Orange strong wind over mountains warnings: Across much of Zilina and parts of northern Banksa Bystrica and western Presov regions in Slovakia.

• Yellow snowfall warnings: Across parts of central, northern, and southern Poland; and parts of central and northern Slovakia.

• Yellow snowdrift warnings: Across much of northern and central and parts of southern Slovakia.

• Yellow ice warnings: Across parts of central, northern, northwestern, southern, and west-central Slovakia.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across parts of southern and western Poland; and parts of northern and west-central Slovakia.

• Yellow strong wind over mountains warnings: Across parts of central, northern, southern, and west-central 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
Poland Institute of Meteorology and Water Management
Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute