Poland issues widespread first‑degree storm and flood warnings

On July 23‑24 2026 the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) released first‑degree storm and hydrological alerts for large parts of Poland. The warnings cover intense thunderstorms, heavy rain (up to 30‑40 mm in some locations), gusts of 60‑70 km/h and possible hail. Affected voivodeships include Mazowieckie, Warmian‑Masurian, Podlaskie, Lublin, Subcarpathian, Lesser Poland, Silesian, West Pomeranian and parts of Lubusz, Pomeranian, Kuyavian‑Pomeranian, Greater Poland and Łódź. Localised flood risk is highlighted for smaller rivers and urban areas, with advice to secure outdoor objects, avoid open spaces and stay informed of updates. Separate alerts were issued for Elbląg (rapid water‑level rise), Bydgoszcz, Lublin, Podkarpacie and Warsaw, where streets and sidewalks were briefly inundated. Emergency services also warned of possible power interruptions. A rescue drill named “Krzewina 2026” was conducted on July 22 at Lake Kuźnicki, simulating a severe storm that damaged forested areas; fire brigades, forest staff and volunteer rescuers practiced evacuations and water‑based access.

The combined warnings and drill reflect coordinated efforts to prepare the population and responders for the unusually turbulent summer weather across the country.