Romania: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least July 3

Adverse weather is forecast across much of Romania through at least July 3. The Romanian National Meteorological Administration has warned of thunderstorms across most of the country July 2-3; storms may be accompanied by heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail. Short-term rainfall accumulations of 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 inches) are expected in most regions, with isolated higher amounts of around 5-7 cm (2-2.8 inches) possible. Wind gusts up to 90 kph (56 mph) are possible during storms. Heavy downpours may lead to flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.

As of July 2, the Romanian National Meteorological Administration has issued an orange weather warning (the middle level on a three-tier scale) over Alba, Arges, western Bacau, Bistrita-Nasaud, Botosani, Brasov, Cara-Severin, Cluj, Covasna, Dambovita, Dolj, Giurgiu, Gorj, Harghita, Hunedoara, Iasi, Ilfov, Maramures, Mehedinti, Mures, Neamt, Olt, Prahova, Sibiu, Suceava, Teleorman, and Valcea counties, as well as the Municipality of Bucharest. Yellow weather warnings are in place across the rest of the country, with the exception of Constanta and Tulcea counties. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

The storms could produce rounds of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity across the affected areas. 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds 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. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected areas. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential 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, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.