Orange code storm warning issued for Bucharest and four counties as torrential rain and gale-force winds hit southern Romania
Romania's National Meteorological Administration issued an orange code nowcasting warning for Bucharest and four counties on Wednesday morning, with torrential rain, frequent lightning, and gale-force winds up to 90 km/h expected.
Warning details
On Wednesday, 22 July 2026, the Romanian National Meteorological Administration (ANM) issued an orange code nowcasting warning for dangerous weather phenomena in Bucharest. The alert, valid from 07:55 to 08:30 local time, forecast torrential rain with accumulations of 25 to 40 litres per square metre, frequent electrical discharges, and strong wind intensifications. The warning was disseminated to the public via the RO-Alert system by the ISU Bucharest-Ilfov emergency inspectorate. The message urged residents to avoid travel during the hazardous period and to take immediate shelter and self-protection measures.
Counties under alert
Simultaneously, ANM issued orange code warnings for several other counties in southern Romania. In Olt County, the alert covered the localities of Radomirești, Dăneasa, Stoicănești, Mihăești, Văleni, and Seaca, and was set to remain in effect until 08:40. The same rainfall quantities of 25–40 l/mp were expected, along with frequent lightning, wind gusts of 70–90 km/h, and medium-sized hail measuring 2–4 cm. Giurgiu and Teleorman counties were placed under an orange code until 08:10. In Giurgiu, the affected towns included Roata de Jos, Vânătorii Mici, Crevedia Mare, Bucșani, and Mârșa; in Teleorman, the warning applied to Blejești, Poeni, Gratia, Siliștea, Cosmești, Scurtu Mare, Sârbeni, and Purani. These areas faced similar threats of torrential rain, intense electrical activity, gale-force winds, and medium hail. A yellow code warning was issued for the mountain zone of Gorj County and the Padeș area, where rainfall of 15–25 l/mp, wind speeds of 50–70 km/h, and small hail of 1–2 cm were anticipated.
Storm progression
The storm system reached Bucharest shortly before the warning took effect, with heavy rain and lightning beginning around 07:30, according to HotNews.ro. The orange code for the capital was active for a 35-minute window, reflecting the nowcasting approach that targets immediate, fast-evolving severe weather. The alerts for Giurgiu and Teleorman expired at 08:10, while Olt's warning continued until 08:40, indicating the eastward movement of the storm cell.
- Storm begins in Bucharest
- Orange code warning takes effect for Bucharest
- Orange code warning expires for Giurgiu and Teleorman
- Orange code warning expires for Bucharest
- Orange code warning expires for Olt
Public safety measures
Authorities recommended that citizens exercise maximum caution and avoid any non-essential travel. The RO-Alert message specifically advised people to remain inside buildings, away from windows, and to avoid stopping under trees, advertising panels, or high-tension power lines that could be brought down by strong winds. The ISU Bucharest-Ilfov emphasized the importance of self-protection and sheltering in place until the storm passed.
Meteorological context
Nowcasting warnings are a standard tool used by ANM during the summer months to provide real-time alerts for convective storms that can develop rapidly. The orange code is the second-highest level in Romania's weather warning system, indicating potentially dangerous conditions. No immediate reports of damage or injuries were available as the storms moved through the region.
