Weather conditions to worsen in Moldova, Orange Code announced for most regions

Chisinau, 17 January /MOLDPRES/ - The State Hydrometeorological Service  (SHS) has updated its information on the Yellow Code of wind and heavy precipitation and issued an Orange Code of heavy precipitation, wind gusting and sleet layers for most regions of Moldova for the next two days.

SHS informed that, today evening, and on the night of 17 to 18 January, complicated weather conditions were expected: heavy precipitation, mainly sleet, was forecast for most zones of the country, with the quantity of precipitation expected to reach 20-25 litres per square metre. Layers of sleet are to be formed, with sleet drifts on roads in places. The north-western wind is to gust to 15-18 metres per second. According to meteorologists, the worst situation is expected in the central and southern regions, where actually the Orange Code was announced.   

The Orange Code provides for weather conditions with real danger; dangerous phenomena of high intensity are forecast (storm, heavy rains with thunderstorm, hail, frost, risk of floods, etc.), which can negatively influence the social and economic activities, may cause substantial material damage and casualties.  

In the context, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations warned residents to be maximally cautious in the weather conditions announced. In particular, drivers were warned to be cautious on Moldova’s roads and the vehicles should be equipped according to the difficult weather conditions.

Rescuers and firemen recommend that citizens, if needed, call the Emergency Service at 901, and before starting a long journey, be informed about the weather warnings and instructions by authorities, in order to prevent crisis situations with danger for life or, if possible, to avoid travels on the period of bad weather.   

(Reporter L. Grubii, editor L. Alcaza)