Hundreds of Weather-Related Interventions; Three Scout Camps Evacuated

Violent winds have forced the evacuation of three scout camps and triggered over 540 emergency interventions across the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, with authorities issuing high-level warnings as gusts reach dangerous speeds.

Scout Camps Forced to Relocate

Junior Brigadier Łukasz Wróblewski, spokesperson for the Warmian-Masurian State Fire Service, confirmed the evacuation of a camp in Frombork began overnight due to intensifying winds. Scouts were moved to a masonry canteen building shortly before their tents were destroyed by the storm, and a tree subsequently fell onto an auxiliary structure at the site.

Following a risk assessment, the entire camp was relocated to a primary school in Frombork; no injuries were reported. Similar evacuations were carried out in Ruciane-Nida, where 19 children and five supervisors moved to a church hall, and in Piaski near Ełk, affecting 28 scouts and six supervisors. Firefighters remain in contact with the 40 scout camps currently operating in the region, hosting over 2,800 people, to coordinate further emergency responses.

Emergency Services Respond to Widespread Damage

Since midnight, firefighters have recorded over 542 interventions, primarily focused on clearing fallen branches and limbs from roads in the Olsztyn, Braniewo, and Bartoszyce counties. The most severe conditions are reported in areas surrounding Braniewo, Frombork, and Elbląg, where specific weather warnings remain in effect.

High-Wind Warnings and Marine Alerts

The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) has issued severe wind warnings across parts of the Masovian, Podlaskie, Lublin, West Pomeranian, Pomeranian, and Warmian-Masurian voivodeships. Forecasts indicate gusts reaching 85 km/h, with some areas experiencing speeds up to 120 km/h; third-degree alerts are active for the Puck and Nowy Dwór districts.

On the Great Masurian Lakes, wind speeds have reached 6 on the Beaufort scale. The Masurian Volunteer Search and Rescue (MOPR) service has appealed for vessels to remain in port and secured, noting that two crews required assistance returning to safety during the storm.