Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) announced meteorological warnings covering almost the full country. The alerts introduced relate primarily to 2 dangerous phenomena: dense fog limiting visibility and freezing precipitation leading to the formation of cuttlefish. These utmost weather conditions are peculiarly affecting south-eastern provinces, and the situation may persist until at least Sunday morning.
Weather warnings and their scope
IMGW issued first and second degree warnings for most voivodships in Poland. Fogs limit visibility to just 100 metres, which makes road conditions importantly more difficult. In addition, the precipitation of freezing rain and drizzle, combined with negative temperatures, is forecast to lead to slippery surfaces.
Particularly hard conditions prevail in the south and east of the country, including in voivodships:
- Lesser Poland
- subcarpathian,
- Świętokrzyskie,
- Lublin.
Warnings besides include part of central Poland, where the situation can be equally dangerous.
Consequences for Residents and Services
Limited visibility and slippery surfaces importantly increase the hazard of road accidents. Police call on drivers to adjust velocity to the conditions prevailing on the road and to be peculiarly careful erstwhile travelling on little frequented routes, where roads can be little snowed or icy.
- Several dangerous caramboles have already occurred in Poland in fresh days. On the A4 motorway, close Krakow, 15 vehicles collided and the origin was dense fog and pigeon.
- Medical rescuers reported an increase in reports of falls on icy pavements, especially among the elderly.
In addition, difficulties in public and intercity transport can affect the timeliness of bus and train courses. PKP PLK reported possible train delays in the south of the country due to the icing of traction networks.
Impact on everyday life and the economy
Such hard weather conditions can origin Domino effect in various economical sectors. The increase in road accidents and delays in the supply of goods can affect the operation of shops, service outlets and logistics companies.
Courier carriers are already signaling possible delays in parcel delivery, which is peculiarly noticeable in the post-Christmas period. The increase in request for supply services can further burden distribution systems.
How to prepare for hard conditions?
- For drivers:
- Check the weather forecast before going on the road.
- equip your car with winter tires as well as wheel chains if you travel to the mountains.
- Complete the spray tank with winter liquid.
- Have a blanket, flashlight and powerbank in your car – if you are stuck in a traffic jam or fail, they may be necessary.
- For pedestrians:
- Watch out for icy pavements – choose shoes with non-slip sole.
- Avoid haste and usage the handrails at the stairs and the crossings.
- Home:
- Take care of stocks in case of restrictions on the supply of food or goods.
- Check the heating installations, especially if frosts are announced.
- Keep in contact with aged or disabled people who may request help.
Forecasts for the coming days
According to IMGW, the weather will only improve in the mediate of next week erstwhile the baric advanced brings more unchangeable conditions. However, further cooling is expected in the coming days, which can increase the effects of the ice.
Emergency services call on residents to avoid unnecessary travel as far as possible. If you request to leave or leave, you must prepare carefully for the road and follow the local services messages.
Read more:
Dangerous weather in Poland: IMGW alerts and how to prepare
