Czech Republic: Adverse weather forecast across central, southern, and western regions through at least March 10

Event

Severe weather is forecast across the central, southern, and western regions through at least March 10. A weather system is forecast to bring a mix of rainfall, sleet, and some snowfall to elevated parts of the affected regions, as well as strong winds gusting up to 75 kph (47 mph) across the area. A combination of heavy downpours and melting snow could lead to flooding in parts of the affected area, with western and southwestern areas expected to be the worst affected.

As of March 8, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Orange flood warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of southern and western Plzen and western South Bohemian regions.

• Yellow flood warnings: Parts of southwestern Central Bohemian, central, eastern, and northwestern Plzen, and eastern, northern, and southern South Bohemian regions.

• Yellow rainfall warnings: Parts of southern and western Plzen and western South Bohemian regions.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across the affected area.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the weather alerts over the coming hours and days.

Hazardous Conditions
Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding may occur. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water and in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Precipitation could fall as snow in colder areas and at higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Transport
Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow could make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

The disruptive weather may cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in the affected area. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI)