SHMU: Storms Disrupt Air Traffic Over Northwestern Slovakia

Bratislava, 9 June (TASR) - Aviation meteorologists have issued a warning for northwestern Slovakia due to the occurrence of numerous thunderstorms reaching flight level 400, or more than 12 kilometres in altitude, the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMU) reported on social media on Tuesday. "The spatial development of the current storm cells is relatively chaotic, making it difficult for aircraft crews to select suitable flight paths. In such cases, it is necessary to restrict aircraft movements within a wider area around the storms, and for air traffic controllers to redirect passing aircraft in good time," SHMU warned. According to meteorologists, aircraft preparing to land have two options: either remain at a safe distance from the storms while waiting, or use a clear corridor between individual storm cells. "The crew of a charter flight from the Greek island of Zakynthos to Ostrava in the Czech Republic chose the second option. They landed by using a gap between intense storm cores. However, they had to contend with turbulence, light icing and advancing storm cells over northern Moravia," SHMU noted. The institute said the storms are expected to weaken over the coming hours. During Wednesday, a cold front is forecast to become slightly undulating and slow its movement across Slovakia, creating favourable conditions once again for the formation of numerous thunderstorms and showers, particularly in central and eastern parts of the country. Meteorologists also warned of an increased likelihood of a storm system crossing the region during the night into Friday, describing it as the worst-case scenario from an aviation perspective. mf