Snowfalls and blizzard in Romania
A wave of cold has taken Romania in its grip. Although its mid November, the first massive snowfall and gale force wind have disrupted road, air and river traffic.
România Internațional, 14.11.2016, 13:38
Weather changed dramatically in Romania this past week. In mid November, winter set in, with a wave of cold sweeping the national territory. On Saturday, downpours were reported across Romania, with rainwater exceeding 20-25 litres per square meter in the west, southwest, north and northeast and even 50-60 litres per square meter, in places, in the mountains and the east.
On Sunday, rain showers turned into sleet and snow in the north, northeast and the centre as well as in places, in the west. Gale force wind was reported in all regions of the country. Meteorologists issued code orange and yellow alerts for snow and blizzard, valid for the north, centre and eastern Romania, whereas the south was swept by gale force wind.
Tens of small towns were left without electricity and traffic on many national and county roads has been disrupted because of massive snow falls. Road traffic is still heavy in places. Gusty wind exceeding 90 – 100 km/h was reported in the mountains. Fire-fighters intervened promptly in 17 counties to rescue people and to remove uprooted trees which fell on roads or on cars, as well as damaged lampposts or various structures which collapsed during the storm.
In the south-western mountain resort of Parang, 20 children accommodated in a mountain chalet were assisted by mountain rescuers and gendarmes to go down the mountain. Another 200 tourists were isolated in guesthouses in Alba County, in the centre, and Caras Severin, in the south-west, until the line authorities managed to remove the snow from all access routes. The first massive snow fall produced havoc, as usual, on the national roads. Cars without winter tires and gears waited long hours for the snow-removing vehicles to clear the roads.
People in urban areas queued at car services to have their tires replaced. In exchange, in the south, including the capital city Bucharest, the east and the centre, gusty wind produced extensive damage, but made no victims. All activities were brought to a halt in the Romanian Black Sea ports because of gale force wind, and traffic on the Danube-Black Sea Canal has been heavily restricted.
Many flights have been cancelled because of unfavourable weather conditions and others reported significant delays. In the capital city and the surroundings, gale force wind uprooted tens of trees, which fell on roads and cars. Several street banners, roofs, balconies and scaffolds have been blown by the wind. Meteorologists say it will further be colder than usual on Monday and Tuesday, and temperatures will not exceed plus 7 degrees Celsius. (Translated by Diana Vijeu)
