17 Jan 2023 | 02:13 PM UTC
Romania: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Jan. 19
Severe weather is forecast in mountainous areas of Romania through at least Jan. 19. Hazardous travel conditions are likely.
Event
Adverse weather is forecast over much of Romania through at least Jan. 19. The most severe weather is forecast over mountainous areas of the country, where heavy wintry precipitation is expected along with strong winds. Showers are also expected across much of the rest of the country, especially in western regions. Precipitation is generally expected to fall as rain in areas below 1,500 meters (4,921 feet), as a mixture of rain, sleet, and snow in areas between 1,500-1,800 meters (4,921-5,906 feet), and snow in areas above 1,800 meters (5,906 feet). Rainfall totals of 2-2.5 cm (0.8-1 inches) are expected across lower elevations, with precipitation totals of 2.5-4 cm (1-1.6 inches) possible in mountainous regions. Strong winds gusting between 55-110 kph (34-68 mph) are expected across elevated areas, with gusts reaching up to 120-140 kph (76-87 mph) possible in the southern Carpathians. The combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds will result in close to zero visibility in some mountainous areas due to blowing snow.
As of Jan. 17, the Romanian National Meteorological Administration has issued the following weather warnings across the country:
Red blizzard warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): At altitudes above 1,800 meters (5,906 feet) in the southern Carpathian mountains in parts of southern Alba, northern Arges, southern Brasov, eastern Caras-Severin, northern Dambovita, southern Hunedoara, northern Prahova, southern Sibiu, and northern Valcea counties.
Orange strong wind and heavy precipitation warnings: For elevated areas of the Apuseni and eastern and southern Carpathian mountains in parts of northwestern Alba, far northeastern Arad, western Bihor, eastern Bistrita-Nasaud, western Cluj, central, eastern, and western Maramures, and central and western Suceava counties.
Yellow heavy precipitation and strong wind warnings: For mountainous areas of Arad, western Bacau, Bihor, southeastern Brasov, northwestern Buzau, Caras-Severin, Constanta, southern and western Covasna, Harghita, Hunedoara, Maramures, northern Mehedinti, northeastern Mures, western Neamt, Salaj, Satu Mare, Timis, Tulcea, and western Vrancea counties.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories, as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. 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 located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.
Precipitation could fall as snow in higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
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. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.
The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding and/or snow 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 avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in the affected area. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
