Winter weather returns to Romania with snow and blizzards
In early April, winter weather made a return to Romania. Since last night, the northern regions and mountain areas have been under yellow and orange warnings for heavy snowfall and blizzards.
Strong winds are blowing, and rain has turned into sleet and snow. The weather remains unusually cold in Romania, Poland, and Ukraine. Mixed precipitation and intensified winds are expected, with minimum temperatures of up to -7°C continuing until the end of next week, according to meteorologists.
Snow fell overnight across the northern half of Romania. A yellow warning for blizzards, rain, and snow is in effect in 28 counties. In Iași County, gusts knocked down several trees, blocking traffic.
In higher elevations of Suceava, Neamț, Cluj, and Maramureș, the snow reached over 15 centimeters.
Snowy landscapes in the midst of spring: winter is making a strong return in several towns across the Republic of Moldova.
Intense snowfalls, significant drops in temperature, and wind gust warnings are in effect in Poland. In the north of the country, snow has reached 20 centimeters.
"In addition, there are three more warnings for snow in the east and south of the country. In the Lublin and Subcarpathia voivodeships, we expect five centimeters of snow, and up to 10 centimeters in the mountains," said Ilona Smigrodzca, a meteorologist.
Snow and ice have caused traffic disruptions and power outages. In the Tatra Mountains, rescuers issued a level-three avalanche warning on a five-point scale. Farmers fear the cold wave will cause significant damage to orchards, as fruit trees have already begun to bloom. Meteorologists say the Arctic air mass that brought winter conditions will persist until at least mid-next week.
Snow also fell overnight in Ukraine. Snow, ice, and hoarfrost have covered several regions, from Transcarpathia to Odessa.
Blizzards are also occurring in Moscow. Meteorologists expect the next two days to bring as much precipitation as the entire month's average. Temperatures have dropped below zero, from 16°C above.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
