BUCHAREST, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Romania's National Meteorological Administration (ANM) on Friday issued yellow and orange weather alerts for strong winds and blizzard conditions across large parts of the country, in effect from early Sunday through Monday morning.
The yellow alert covers most regions, including Maramures, Transylvania, Moldova, Dobrogea and mountainous areas, where wind gusts may reach 60 to 80 km per hour, and up to 110 kilometers per hour in the mountains. Blowing snow is expected, with accumulations of 10 to 15 cm in higher elevations and reduced visibility.
An orange alert is in effect for the high-altitude areas of the Southern and Curvature Carpathians, where winds could exceed 130 km/h, bringing severe blizzards, drifting snow and near-whiteout conditions.
ANM said the cold spell gripping Romania since Christmas will persist into the end of the year. Nighttime temperatures are forecast to drop to minus 10 degrees Celsius, and below minus 15 degrees Celsius in some central and eastern areas, while daytime highs will remain below seasonal averages.
Meteorologists warned that the cold weather is likely to continue into January, with further episodes of frost and wintry conditions expected. ■
