Poland: Adverse weather forecast to continue across much of the country through at least Aug. 21 /update 1

Severe weather is forecast to continue across much of Poland through at least Aug. 21. Thunderstorms are forecast to break out across central, eastern, and southern Poland Aug. 19. Heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. Rainfall totals of up to 10 cm (4 inches) and wind gusts up to 90 kph (56 mph) are possible during storms. Further showers and storms are forecast across eastern and southeastern regions Aug. 20 and intense thunderstorms with heavy downpours are possible across central, eastern, and southeastern Poland Aug. 21. Conditions are expected to improve from Aug. 22, with only a few scattered showers likely in northern regions.

The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) has issued the following weather warnings Aug. 19:

• Red heavy rainfall with thunderstorms warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Across much of Lower Silesian and parts of southern Greater Poland, far southeastern Lubusz, and western Opole provinces.

• Red thunderstorm warnings: Parts of southwestern and western Lodz Province.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Across Holy Cross, Lesser Poland, Lodz, Silesian, and Subcarpathian provinces, the rest of Lodz and Opole provinces not under red warnings, and parts of eastern Greater Poland and southern Masovian provinces.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Parts of central Greater Poland, central and southern Kuyavian-Pomeranian, central, eastern, and western Masovian, and central and southern Podlaskie 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.