Romania: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Nov. 26

Adverse weather is forecast over much of Romania through at least Nov. 26. Snowfall and strong winds are expected in mountainous areas of northern and north-central Romania Nov. 24. Winds gusting up to 100 kph (62 mph) will combine with blowing snow to cause reduced visibility in affected areas. The Romanian National Meteorological Administration has issued a yellow weather warning (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) over the affected area. Another yellow warning for significant precipitation, strong winds, and blizzards has been issued across eastern, southern, and south-central regions through late Nov. 26. Precipitation is forecast to initially fall as rain before transitioning to sleet and snow overnight Nov. 25-26 as temperatures start to drop across much of the country. Blizzard conditions are likely in parts of the affected area due to strong winds and an orange blizzard warning has been issued for Braila, Buzau, Calarasi, Constanta, Galati, Ialomita, Tulcea, and Vrancea counties in southeastern Romania: snowfall blown by winds gusting up to 85 kph (53 mph) will reduce visibility to as low as 50 meters (164 feet) in parts of the affected area. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories, as weather conditions change over the coming days.

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 and 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, particularly in higher elevations, over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in affected 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.

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. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding and/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 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.