Almost half of Romania, including its capital city Bucharest has been hit by this season's first serious snow fall. Meteorologists have issued a code orange for blizzards in Bucharest and 17 counties in the South and South-East of the country, from Wednesday morning ( January 25 ) until Thursday ( January 26 ) at 18:00.

The counties affected are Ilfov, Teleorman, Giurgiu, Arges, Dâmboviţa, Prahova, Călăraşi, Ialomiţa, Buzău, Brăila, Galaţi, Vrancea, Constanţa, Tulcea, Mehedinţi, Dolj and Olt. Wind speed will increase, while snow will drift.

Flights from both Bucharest Otopeni and Baneasa airports have been delayed because of the storm, but so far none have been canceled. Delays are 30 to 40 minutes on average. Meanwhile in downtown Bucharest a fallen tree blocked the street in the Universitate area this morning, disrupting traffic and causing public transport delays.

editor@romania-insider.com

(photo: Oana Albu)