Storms batter Silesia: 159 firefighter interventions, nearly 700 homes without power Sunday morning

Severe thunderstorms lashed the Silesian province overnight, triggering 159 emergency interventions by the State Fire Service and leaving nearly 700 households without electricity on Sunday morning. The most violent weather hit Tarnowskie Góry county, where powerful winds toppled trees, tore off roofs, and damaged public and private property.

How the storm unfolded

The front moved in Saturday afternoon, first striking areas around Chechło, Lasowice, and Tarnowskie Góry. Firefighters began responding at 5 p.m. and worked through the night, ultimately logging 159 callouts by 6 a.m. Sunday. In Tarnowskie Góry county alone, crews handled 81 incidents, more than half of the provincial total. They cleared roads blocked by uprooted trees, including the route to the popular Chechło-Nakło lake, and secured dangling branches that threatened passers-by. Local authorities in Świerklaniec reported extensive damage: buildings, fences, garages, sheds, and terraces were battered, with recreational cottages near the Nakło-Chechło reservoir especially hard hit. The historic park in Świerklaniec also suffered.

Power outages and restoration

The storms knocked out eight transformer stations, leaving 682 customers cut off as of 7 a.m. Sunday. The worst-affected area was Myszków county, where 498 households were still without power. Energy repairs were under way, with the regional crisis management centre predicting full restoration by 11 a.m. Earlier estimates had been more optimistic: on Saturday evening, operator reports had aimed to restore power to areas such as Świerklaniec, Nakło, Chechło, and Miasteczko Śląskie by 1 a.m., but the damage proved more extensive. In Mikołów county a lightning strike hit a transformer around midnight, briefly disabling the water supply after pumps failed; crews repaired the fault within hours.

Response and local reaction

Despite the widespread physical damage, no injuries were reported. Świerklaniec deputy mayor Adrian Blondzik noted that the losses were substantial but all residents escaped harm. Mayor Grzegorz Zadęcki said the situation was brought under control and praised firefighters and all services for their swift response. He also urged residents to remain cautious, especially in parks and wooded areas, where damaged trees and unstable branches still posed risks on Sunday morning. Police and fire personnel continued to monitor roads and remove debris. Drivers were advised to expect delays and follow instructions from emergency crews.

Aftermath and outlook

By late morning, the province was returning to normal, though clean-up would continue through the day. Emergency services repeated their warning that walkers should avoid forested areas and parks on Sunday due to the risk of falling limbs. The regional crisis management centre planned further damage assessments, and local governments began tallying costs, particularly in Świerklaniec where the recreational area and historic park would need significant repairs. No further severe weather forecasts were in effect for the remainder of Sunday.