Poland, Slovakia: Adverse winter weather forecast across both countries through at least Jan. 18

Heavy snow, strong winds, and blizzards forecast across Poland and Slovakia through at least Jan. 18. Transport disruptions possible.

Event

Heavy snowfall, strong winds, and blizzard conditions are forecast across parts of Poland and Slovakia through at least Jan. 18.

As of Jan. 17, the Insitute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW-PIB) has issued the following warnings across Poland:

Orange blizzard warnings (the second-highest level on a three-tier scale): across parts of southern Lesser Poland, far southern Silesia, and southern Subcarpathia provinces.
Orange wind warnings: across all regions except far southern Poland.
Orange flood warnings: across the northern Baltic coastline and for several river catchment areas in Pomerania, Warmia-Masuria, and West Pomerania provinces.
Yellow snow warnings: across parts of southern Lesser Poland, far southern Silesia, and southern Subcarpathia provinces.
Yellow ice warnings: across southern, central, and eastern Poland.

The Slovak Hydrometeorigcal Institute (SHMI) has issued the following warnings across Slovakia:

Red strong mountain winds warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): for parts of northern Banska Bystrica, western Presov, and eastern Zilina regions.
Orange blizzard and strong wind warnings: Bratislava, northern Banska Bystrica, Nitra, western Presov, western Trencin, Trnava, and eastern and central Zilina regions.
Yellow snowfall, blizzard, strong mountain winds, and strong wind warnings: across much of the rest of Slovakia.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

In addition to the heavy snow, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Sporadic power outages are possible throughout the affected area.

Transport
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in the region over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.