BUCHAREST, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Romania is facing severe winter weather as the National Meteorological Administration (ANM) issued multiple Orange and Yellow Code warnings on Thursday for heavy snowfall, blizzards, strong winds and extreme cold across large parts of the country.
An Orange Code warning for strong winds was in effect from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Thursday in the southern counties of Mehedinti, Dolj, Olt and Teleorman, where wind gusts reached 70 to 90 km per hour.
A separate Orange Code for blizzard conditions affected the Southern Carpathians and the southern Eastern Carpathians at elevations above 1,700 meters, with winds exceeding 85 to 120 km per hour, blowing snow and visibility dropping below 50 meters. This warning remains valid until Friday morning.
Much of the country, including Bucharest and 20 other counties, was placed under a Yellow Code for blowing snow and wind intensification.
Meteorologists also issued a Yellow Code for severe frost, valid Thursday evening through Friday morning, with minimum temperatures between minus 15 degrees Celsius and minus 10 degrees Celsius in Banat, Crisana, Maramures, Transylvania and mountainous areas.
ANM classifies weather alerts into three risk levels: yellow, orange, and red, indicating increasing severity from potential risk to extreme danger.
Severe weather led to school closures and online classes in several counties, including Iasi, Hunedoara, Deva and Bistrita-Nasaud. In Hunedoara County, authorities suspended in-person classes on Thursday and Friday, with lessons held online or in hybrid format. Local public transport in Hunedoara was also suspended.
Road conditions deteriorated nationwide. The Romanian Police reported traffic moving under winter conditions, with snowfall in northern and central regions and rain creating icy conditions in the south. Several road closures and tonnage restrictions were imposed in Caras-Severin, Harghita and Salaj counties.
Drivers were advised to use winter tires, avoid closed roads, and adapt speed to conditions.
Despite freezing temperatures, the National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management issued an Orange Code flood warning for a sector of the Jiu River in Dolj County, citing rising water levels due to upstream runoff. Authorities warned of possible flooding through Thursday evening.
Emergency services and local administrations remain on high alert as further snowfall is forecast in several regions. ■
