Czech Republic: Rising water levels causing floods across the Czech Republic as of Dec. 27

Authorities are maintaining flood warnings across the Czech Republic as of Dec. 27 due to rising river levels caused by thawing snow and rainfall. Floodplains and other low-lying areas are experiencing flooding in many parts of the country. As of Dec. 27, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institue has issued red flood warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) across eastern and central Central Bohemian, southern and central Hradec Kralove, northwestern Pardubice, west-central Olomouc, and eastern Usti nad Labem regions. Orange flood warnings are in place over the rest of north-central and central Latvia, and yellow warnings are in effect for most of the rest of the country. Officials could update and extend the coverage of the weather alerts over the coming days.

Authorities closed the embankments and the floodgates at Certovka Canal in Prague. Officials also suspended ferries in Prague 1, 2, 6, and Vysehrad Dec. 26. Embankments in Prague 1, 2, and 5 are closed to the public, including boarding and disembarking of boats; the Dvorak embankment reopened late Dec. 26. Authorities evacuated 20 houses in Mrakotin u Telce, South Bohemia Region, due to a possible dam break and five others from Hrobice Municipality, Pardubice Region, Dec. 26 due to rising water levels. Reports indicate that approximately 12,000 households experienced power supply disruptions at the height of the storm; this has largely been restored.

Rising water levels could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity, water supply, and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

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. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, or some employees' inability to reach work sites.