Violent Storms Batter Western Poland as IMGW Issues Nationwide Alerts

Severe storms and intense rainfall are sweeping across western Poland, with the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) issuing urgent weather alerts for the majority of the country.

Storms Hit Western Poland

The situation is currently most difficult in the west of the country. Intensive rainfall and strong storms are occurring in the Wrocław area, with new storm cells moving further over Poland. Forecasters predict rainfall of up to 55 mm in some places, wind gusts up to 115 km/h, and hail.

Storms are already passing through Lower Silesia. The most intense phenomena appeared in the western part of the country. Lower Silesia is at particular risk, where precipitation may locally accumulate and reach up to 70 mm. For the southern part of the Lower Silesian province, IMGW has issued a third-degree warning. Winds there may reach 80 to 90 km/h, and in isolated cases even 110 km/h.

Wrocław Flooded and Infrastructure Strained

In Lower Silesia, storms have already caused serious disruptions. As reported by “Gazeta Wrocławska,” roads under viaducts and tram tracks were flooded in Wrocław, forcing some trams onto detours. In the region, firefighters removed fallen trees, broken branches, and dealt with flooding, with about 40 interventions recorded in the Jawor county.

In Jakuszyce, a 38-year-old woman was struck by lightning, while in many towns, downpours turned streets into raging torrents.

Nationwide Alert Coverage

Second-degree warnings are in effect in the following provinces: West Pomeranian, Pomeranian, Lubusz, Greater Poland, Kuyavian-Pomeranian, Łódź, Lower Silesian, Opole, Silesian, Lesser Poland, Świętokrzyski, and Masovian. IMGW forecasts very heavy rainfall from 30 to 55 mm in places. Wind gusts may reach 75 to 115 km/h, and hail is also possible locally.

Most alerts came into effect on Saturday at 2:00 PM and will expire at night. However, in some counties, warnings will remain in force until 10:00 AM on Sunday.

Maximum Alert for Southern Lower Silesia

The Institute issued a third-degree warning for the southern part of the Lower Silesian province. As a result of rainfall accumulation, up to 70 mm of rain may fall locally. Wind gusts are also forecast there at 80 to 90 km/h, and sporadically up to 110 km/h. A top-level alert signifies a risk of very large damage and danger to life.

RCB Warning and Ongoing Heatwave

The Government Security Centre (RCB) has sent an alert to recipients across the entire country. “Attention! Today and tomorrow (20/21.06) intense rainfall, strong winds, and storms are likely. Power outages are possible. Avoid open spaces,” the RCB stated.

An additional warning was directed to residents of parts of the Lower Silesian province, including Dzierżoniów, Jawor, Kamienna Góra, Kłodzko, Świdnica, Wałbrzych, and Ząbkowice counties, as well as the city of Wałbrzych, warning of potential flooding and power outages.

Meanwhile, heat warnings remain in effect until 8:00 PM Sunday in all provinces. Maximum temperatures may reach 30 to 35 degrees Celsius, with nighttime temperatures up to 20 degrees Celsius. These warnings signify potential for events causing major material damage and health risks.