06 Apr 2023 | 08:24 AM UTC
Poland: Adverse winter weather forecast across southern regions through April 7
Heavy snowfall and cold temperatures forecast across parts of southern Poland through April 7. Hazardous travel conditions likely.
Event
Heavy snowfall and cold temperatures are forecast across parts of southern Poland through at least April 7. Snowfall accumulations of around 25 cm (10 inches) are possible in parts of far southwestern Poland and temperatures as low as -8 C (18 F) at night and -1-4 C (30-39 F) during the day are expected across much of the affected area.
As of April 6, the Polish Institute of Meteorology and Water Management has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:
Orange intense snowfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of southern and south-central Subcarpathia Province.
Yellow snowfall warnings: Across the rest of Subcarpathia Province, all of Lublin Province, much of Lesser Poland and Swietokrzyskie provinces, and parts of southern Mazovia and southern Silesia provinces.
Yellow cold temperatures warnings: Parts of southern lesser Poland, southern and western Lower Silesia, southern Silesia, and southern Subcarpathia 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.
