30 May 2023 | 09:18 AM UTC
Romania: Adverse weather forecast across western regions through at least June 2
Severe weather forecast across much of western Romania through at least June 2. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across much of western Romania through at least June 2. Storms will likely be accompanied by strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail. As of May 30, the Romanian National Meteorological Administration has issued orange warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) for torrential showers and hail across Arad, Caras-Severin, Hunedoara, and Timis counties. Rainfall totals of 4-7 cm (1.6-2.8 inches) are possible in the space of a few hours in these areas. Yellow warnings for unstable weather bringing possible heavy showers, thunderstorms, lightning, wind gusts, and hail have been issued across the rest of the affected area. Further showers and storms are forecast across the region through June 2. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days. Heavy rainfall May 29 triggered flooding in Resita Municipality in Caras-Severin County and Paiuseni in Arad County May 29. Several streets and homes have been flooded in the affected areas. Further heavy downpours could trigger additional flooding in parts of the affected region, especially in areas where the ground di already saturated from previous heavy rainfall.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where severe weather impacts utility networks.
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout affected regions. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather will also likely trigger flight delays and cancelations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in flood-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
