Czech Republic: Adverse winter weather forecast across the country through at least Dec. 1

Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast across much of the Czech Republic through at least Dec. 1. Isolated snow showers are expected across parts of the country Nov. 28-29, with more intense snowfall likely over elevated areas. Sleet and rain are also possible at lower elevations. Further wintry precipitation is expected in southern regions from late Nov. 30 through at least Dec. 1. More than 30,000 people are without power and disruptions to overland travel have been reported in northern and western regions as of Nov. 28 due to recent snowfall and strong winds, with Karlovy Vary one of the worst affected regions. Snowfall and fallen trees have blocked roads and railway lines in parts of the affected areas. Further adverse winter weather will likely continue to cause hazardous travel conditions and may lead to further power outages and transport disruptions.

As of Nov. 28, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI) has issued the following weather warnings across the country.

• Orange snowdrift warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of northwestern and southeastern Hradec Kralove, northern Karlovy Vary, eastern and northern Liberec, northeastern Moravian-Silesian, northeastern Pardubice, southern and western Plzen, northern Olomouc, southwestern South Bohemian, and northern and western Usti nad Labem regions.

• Yellow snow warnings: Across Moravian-Silesian and parts of central, northern, and southeastern Olomouc, far northeastern Pardubice, and eastern Zlin regions.

• Yellow snowdrift warnings: Parts of central, eastern, and southern Karlovy Vary, northwestern Liberec, northern Moravian-Silesian, southern Pardubice, far northeastern Usti nad Labem, northeastern Vysocina, and eastern and southern Zlin regions.

• Yellow black ice warnings: Across the country.

An advanced warning of dangerous phenomena for freezing precipitation has been issued across South Bohemian, South Moravian, and Vysocina regions late Nov. 30-Dec. 1. Officials will likely 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.

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.