Capital City and Half the Country Under Severe Weather Alert: Gusts, Hail, and Torrential Rain Expected

Bucharest and a large part of Romania are bracing for severe weather, with forecasters issuing a Code Orange alert for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. The alert is in effect for the capital and surrounding Ilfov County from noon until 10 PM on July 20.

Meteorologists predict significant rainfall, with accumulations of 25 to 50 liters per square meter in short periods, and potentially over 60-70 liters in some areas. The storm is expected to bring strong gusts of wind reaching 70 to 90 km/h and hail stones of medium to large size, between 2 and 5 cm.

The Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (ISU) București-Ilfov has issued safety recommendations for the public. Citizens are urged to postpone outdoor activities and secure any objects outside their homes to prevent accidents. They are also advised to avoid areas with trees, poles, or billboards that could be toppled by the wind. Ensuring that ditches and gutters are clear to facilitate water drainage is also recommended. In case of rising water levels in rivers, people should not attempt to cross them or approach the banks.

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For your safety and the safety of your loved ones, please follow these recommendations: Postpone outdoor activities! Working in open spaces or at heights becomes dangerous in bad weather; Close all windows and ensure that outdoor objects are secured to prevent possible accidents; Avoid areas with trees, poles, billboards, or other structures that could be knocked down by the wind; Clean ditches and gutters to allow normal water drainage; In case of rising water levels in rivers, do not attempt to cross them and do not approach their banks.