Poland: Adverse weather forecast nationwide through at least Nov. 24

Severe weather is forecast across much of Poland through at least Nov. 24. A low-pressure system will move over most of the country, bringing strong winds nationwide and a mixture of rain, sleet, freezing rain, and snow in places. Rainfall is likely to be heaviest in northern regions, with totals of 2.5-3.5 cm (1-1.4 inches) possible. Due to dropping temperatures, precipitation is likely to fall as sleet and snow in places and there is a risk of freezing rain in the eastern half of the country. Winds gusting up to 140 kph (87 mph) are possible over the highest mountains and up to 95 kph (59 mph) in western and coastal regions. Hazardous travel conditions are likely due to reduced visibility caused by wintry precipitation blown by strong winds and slippery roads due to ice formation. Flooding is possible in areas where sustained heavy rainfall occurs and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of Nov. 23, the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Orange freezing precipitation warnings (middle level on a three-tier scale): Across Podlasie and much of Lublin, Mazovia, and Warmia-Masuria provinces

• Orange strong wind warnings: Northern coastal areas of Pomerania and West Pomerania provinces and parts of southern Lesser Poland, southeastern Silesia, and southern Subcarpathia provinces

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Across much of central and southern Pomerania, western Warmia-Masuria, and central West Pomerania provinces

• Yellow freezing precipitation warnings: Across most of the rest of the eastern half of Poland not under orange freezing precipitation warnings

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across the rest of the country not under orange strong wind warnings

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

The storm system could produce rounds of heavy precipitation (including rain and snow) and strong winds across the affected area. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Precipitation could fall as snow, sleet, and freezing rain in places. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in these areas.

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 will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations.

The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations in coastal areas if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding or snow 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 strong winds, 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.