Poland: Adverse weather forecast across parts of the country through at least Aug. 11

Severe weather is forecast across parts of Poland through at least Aug. 11. Thunderstorms are forecast across eastern and parts of central Poland Aug. 5. Heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. Rainfall totals of 2-3.5 cm (0.8-1.4 inches) with localized heavier amounts up to 5 cm (2 inches) and winds gusting up to 70 kph (43 mph) are possible during storms. Further rainfall is possible in central, eastern, and southeastern regions Aug. 6 and central, northern, and northeastern regions Aug. 7. A band of showers and storms are expected to move west to east across the country Aug. 8, bringing heavy downpours and strong winds to much of Poland. Occasional showers are forecast in northern and southeastern regions Aug. 9 and across the northern half of the country Aug. 10-11. Heavy downpours may lead to flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) has issued the following weather warnings Aug. 5:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Across parts of northern Lublin, eastern Masovian, and southern Podlaskie provinces.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across the rest of Lublin, Masovian, and Podlaskie, across Subcarpathian, and parts of eastern and northern Greater Poland, central, northern, and eastern Holy Cross, central, southern, and western Kuyavian-Pomeranian, eastern Lesser Poland, central, eastern, and northern Lodz, southwestern Pomeranian, and central and eastern Warmian-Masurian provinces.

Officials will likely update and/or extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

The storms could produce heavy precipitation and strong winds across affected areas. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flash and areal flooding in affected areas. 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 downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

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. Disruptive weather may cause delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding 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 floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. Repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions if there is severe damage to infrastructure.