Flooding, falling trees, and lightning cause chaos in Czechia – further storms expected

Storms and heavy rain struck parts of the Czech Republic over the weekend, causing damage and injuries – meteorologists predict more bad weather today. The southwest of Bohemia was worst affected, with several rivers reaching flood stages and overflowing. A severe flood warning remains in effect until noon on Monday in the Pilsen region, and the capital has a moderate flood alert level.

Prague experienced heavy and persistent storms over the weekend – particularly on Sunday – leading to the Vltava’s river level rising to an above-average level. Firefighters were also called to collapsed trees in residential areas. The worst is over for the capital, though, with no heavy rain forecast for the coming days. 

The Radbuza river in Pilsen burst its banks over the weekend, leading to an emergency response from rescue services. "We are installing sandbags in exposed places," said a spokesperson for the local fire department. Flood warnings also remain in effect in other areas, including the town of Domazlice, the surroundings of Horšovský Týn, and Stod. A 35-year-old man was trapped by a watered-down stream in Štěnovice near Pilsen, requiring a rescue helicopter to be called in. 

The severe weather also affected transport in Bohemia, with a railway line between Pilsen and Starý Plzeň temporarily closed due to a fallen tree. Services between the nearby towns of Lochovice and Jince are also disrupted. "Normal service could resume on Tuesday," said a spokesperson for Czech Railways. In addition, several roads were closed in and around the regional town of Pilsen due to accumulated water. 

On Sunday, during Children's Day celebrations in Liberec, a lightning strike hit a tree, injuring 18 people. Of those injured, 13 lost consciousness, and five needed brief resuscitation, but most injuries were minor. Seven adults and eight children were taken to Liberec Hospital, two to Jablonec nad Nisou, and one to Prague's Motol Hospital. 

A spokesperson for Pilsen City Hall said Sunday: "We have warned citizens against coming near the river, as the ground is waterlogged, and trees are at risk of being uprooted. Drivers are also at risk of aquaplaning.”

According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ), Czechia is currently experiencing an influx of moist and unstable air, which is expected to result in thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours Monday. These thunderstorms have the potential to be exceptionally strong, the ČHMÚ says, with the possibility of torrential rain reaching around 30 liters per square meter in the west of the country and even causing small hail.