Extreme weather in Romania and Slovakia

Extreme weather events have caused significant infrastructure damage and utility disruptions across Romania and Slovakia.

In Romania, heavy snowfall and strong winds led to widespread power outages in Transylvania. In Alba County, approximately 42,000 consumers lost electricity, affecting water supply pumps for 8,000 households. Mureș and Harghita counties also reported tens of thousands of outages. Authorities in Maramureș deployed anti-skid materials to manage icy roads blocked by fallen trees.

In Slovakia, severe storms and intense downbursts have caused widespread destruction, particularly in the Rimavská Sobota district. An extraordinary situation was declared in 15 municipalities, including Tornalja, following violent winds. In Radnót, reports indicate nearly every house was damaged, alongside a destroyed festival stage and a damaged church roof. In Radnovce, the storm was severe enough to tear a church tower off. Other significant damage occurred in Bottovo, where roofs were lost on houses, an apartment building, and a cultural center, and in Sajószárnya, where trees fell and roofs were damaged.

The storms caused major electrical grid disruptions, leaving over 6,000 households without power and toppling high-voltage poles. Meteorologist Miroslav Šinger noted that while a tornado cannot be ruled out, evidence suggests a downburst. In response, Prime Minister Fico called an extraordinary government meeting, and the Ministry of Interior began coordinating relief efforts, including restoring drinking water and providing temporary shelter. Additionally, heavy storms in Bratislava’s Petržalka district caused flooding in schools and damaged photovoltaic panels at a local swimming pool facility.