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Weather Armageddon over Poland. 2,700 interventions due to severe storms

11.07.2024 10:30
Firefighters had the most work last night near Poznań and Kuyavia, according to the Main Headquarters of the State Fire Service. Wednesday was the hottest day in Poland in two years, and such a tropical night hasn't occurred in the capital since 2015, confirmed meteorologists from IMGW. A hydrological warning has been issued due to rapid increases in water levels.
In Pomerania, a volunteer firefighter was struck by lightning while on duty, July 10th 2024.
In Pomerania, a volunteer firefighter was struck by lightning while on duty, July 10th 2024. pixaby/Pixaby.com/ CC0

The Main Headquarters of the State Fire Service confirms that from Wednesday to 6 a.m. on Thursday, 2,712 weather-related interventions were reported across the country. The highest number of incidents occurred in Wielkopolskie - 637, Kuyavia-Pomerania - 384, West Pomerania - 377, Lower Silesia - 342, and Pomerania - 295.

Firefighters were primarily called to deal with the effects of strong winds and heavy rain. Lightning strikes caused fires in buildings. Due to the weather situation, a decision was made to evacuate scout camps as a precaution, explains the fire department.

In Pomerania, a volunteer firefighter was struck by lightning while on duty.

Hydrological warning

Rapid increases in water levels may occur, which could cause local flooding and exceed critical levels in smaller rivers and urbanized catchments, warns IMGW.

Storms are still forecasted, accompanied by heavy rainfall up to 60 mm and wind gusts up to 120 km/h in some areas. Hail is also possible locally.

Tropical night

Last night was truly tropical. According to IMGW observations, "it was the warmest night in Warsaw since 2015, when we recorded 22.8°C." Meteorologists measured that the nighttime temperature in the capital reached 23.4°C, while during the day in Wrocław, it soared to 36.5°C.

During today, thunderstorms may still occur, and meteorological conditions may adversely affect health, warn meteorologists from the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW).

Dangerous conditions may arise as early as before noon. Alerts have been issued for thunderstorms with hail and wind gusts up to 120 km/h.

Stunning images capturing the night sky

Internet users from all over Poland shared spectacular photos of the stormy sky.

Giant hailstones appeared over Wolsztyn near Poznań.

In many places, storms knocked down trees.

Source: IMGW/KGPSP/x.com/@IMGWmeteo/@KGPSP/@SOB_pl/@SkywarnPoland

(mp)