Poland’s government and emergency services are on high alert due to an approaching weather front bringing heavy rain, storms, and potential flooding to several regions.
Situation Overview
A meeting of services and voivodes with the leadership of the Ministry of Interior and Administration (MSWiA) and the Government Security Centre (RCB) was held on Sunday. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Minister of Interior and Administration Wiesław Leśniakiewicz, and included the participation of voivodes from several provinces, as well as representatives from the police, fire department, and the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW).
The MSWiA-affiliated services are monitoring the weather situation, and all units are in full readiness. The State Fire Service is continuously monitoring the situation and will immediately dispatch additional firefighters to the most threatened regions if necessary.
Alert Levels and Affected Regions
The RCB has issued first and second-degree warnings for several voivodeships. According to IMGW, an active atmospheric front bringing rain and localized thunderstorms is approaching Poland, initially affecting the western part of the country, including the Lubusz and Lower Silesian Voivodeships. Intense rainfall and rapid rises in river levels are possible locally.
Second-degree warnings have been issued for the Wielkopolska, Lower Silesian, and Lubusz Voivodeships. First-degree warnings are in effect for the West Pomeranian, Opole, Silesian, and Łódź Voivodeships, valid until Monday at 3:00 PM.
RCB Alert Details
The RCB informed residents of the Wielkopolska, Lubusz, and Lower Silesian Voivodeships via platform X about an alert for intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and potential flooding. The message urges people to avoid swollen rivers and follow the instructions of emergency services.
Rainfall and Wind Forecasts
The MSWiA previously reported that rainfall in these voivodeships could range from 40 mm to 50 mm, locally up to 60 mm. IMGW also warns of intense rainfall and possible stronger wind gusts of up to 60-65 km/h during thunderstorms. Local frosts are also forecast in the Małopolska and Subcarpathian Voivodeships.
Spring Storm Season
According to Filip Szymanek from Polish Storm Chasers, the storm season is approaching. The end of March brought warm weather and localized thunderstorms. The “calendar” storm season in Poland lasts from early April to the end of August, though this boundary is not strict, and storms sometimes occur at the end of March or in the first week of September.
Storm Hazards
Szymanek explains that summer storms form on atmospheric fronts, in places where the wind blows in opposite directions, or as a result of convection (especially in the mountains), i.e., the rising of warm air. Every storm carries the threat of lightning, which is a deadly hazard. Other dangerous phenomena, such as large hail, strong winds, and even tornadoes, can also occur during storms.
Safety Precautions During Storms
During storms, it is crucial to avoid sheltering under trees, masts, power poles, or streetlights. It is best to avoid all high objects that lightning could potentially strike. Buildings with lightning protection systems are the safest option. Avoid bus shelters, sheds, or metal garages.
Strong winds, with gusts of 90-100 km/h, can cause significant damage. When strong winds are forecast, avoid parking vehicles under trees. Hail can also cause damage; parking a car in a garage is recommended, or covering the windows with a blanket if a garage is unavailable.
Smartphone Use and Vehicle Safety
Contrary to popular myths, there is no evidence that smartphones attract lightning. Using a smartphone during a storm is safe and even advisable if it is necessary to call emergency services. A car acts as a Faraday cage, providing a safe place during a storm. Close all windows and avoid touching metal parts of the car’s body.
