Bucharest is bracing for severe weather as flood warnings grip parts of Romania, compounded by biting cold and heavy snowfall disrupting daily life. Authorities have issued alerts for rising river levels that could breach danger thresholds by local time 3 PM.
In Prahova County, the Teleajen River faces an orange alert until noon, signaling serious flood risks. Vrancea County’s Milcov River basin is under similar watch, while yellow alerts cover sections of the Barlad River basin in eastern Romania. These color-coded warnings—yellow for potential danger, orange for high risk, and red for extreme emergencies—underscore the urgency.
Local administrations are on high alert, dispatching emergency SMS to residents in vulnerable areas. Firefighters in Prahova have responded to multiple waterlogging reports, pumping out flooded courtyards without any structural damage reported so far.
In Buzau County, surging waters in the Niscov River have submerged a key road to Mireea village, stranding 12 people from four families. Officials confirm everyone is safe with ample supplies, though access remains cut off temporarily.
This comes after Romania’s National Meteorological Administration rolled out a code yellow for intense frost and cold earlier in the week, affecting over half the country including the capital. The alert spanned 28 counties and Bucharest from Monday morning until Tuesday.
Heavy snow blanketed Bucharest and southern regions at the week’s start, turning roads treacherous with black ice. Road crews worked tirelessly to clear paths and grit surfaces amid hazardous driving conditions.
Forecasts had predicted this early February chill, with mountain valleys dipping to minus 15°C overnight. Northeastern daytime highs may stay below freezing, while lowlands face rain and higher elevations could see sleet and snow due to plummeting temperatures.
Chilly winds have swept the nation since early February, recording minus 7 to minus 10°C in northern Moldova. The weather agency warns of ongoing snow and mixed precipitation risks across northern, central, and eastern regions throughout the month.
Residents are urged to stay vigilant, heed evacuation orders if issued, and prepare for prolonged harsh weather that tests Romania’s resilience against nature’s fury.