Heavy storm passed over Warsaw. Flooded streets and houses

Residents of Warsaw are facing fast changing weather. Until 2 pm, it was sunny and warm, later on heavy rain started and thunders could be heard.

It calmed down for a moment only to worsen again after 4 pm. Dark clouds gathered over the centre of the city, heavy downpour and strong wind began to torment the residents. After a while, it stopped and sunshine reappeared.

"Some areas in Wawer district have been flooded. Basements and garages at some properties around Bystrzycka street also have taken in water," said Szymon Kisieliński from Warsaw fire service. He added later that mostly eastern districts of the city have been flooded as it was there where the heaviest storm passed through. Fire service also received calls from Jeździecka street in Wesoła, as well as Filmowa, Frenkla and Jagienki in Wawer.

Firefighters were pumping the water out of the flooded properties. "The sun went out and so we are hoping that it's the end of this unfortunate weather," said Kisieliński.

We have received information and photos of the flooded Frenkla strees which is nearby Bystrzycka.

According to tvnwarszawa.pl reporter, Lech Marcinczak, heavy rainfall caused some road accidents. "Among others, on Wołoska street, Niepodległości avenue, Siekierkowski nad Grota bridges. Because of that, there's heavy traffic in the city. Drivers, better keep it slow," Marcinczak advised.

First degree rain alerts have also been issued for the Masovian voivodeship. According to tvnmeteo.pl, storms and rainfall between 20 and 30 litres/sq metre are expected in all counties, in some places even up 40 litres/sq metre. The wind may reach speed up to 85 km/h. Hailstone downpour is possible. The alert is valid until midnight.

A surging flood wave on Vistula river has also passed through the capital. The embankments have been closed. The beaches and the bike and walking trails have been flooded. The water level reached 5,6 metres.

Autor: gf / Źródło: TVN24 News in English, tvnwarszawa.pl