Severe weather struck northeastern Poland as a powerful supercell thunderstorm brought destructive winds exceeding 100 km/h, torrential rainfall, and massive hail measuring 6 to 8 centimeters in diameter, according to local reports and the Sieć Obserwatorów Burz.
Severe Supercell Storm Hits Warmian-Masurian and Podlaskie Regions
The Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship and parts of the Podlaskie Voivodeship faced high storm risk levels before severe weather moved into the Suwałki region. Earlier forecasts from the Sieć Obserwatorów Burz warned of supercell storms capable of producing torrential rain, destructive wind gusts surpassing 100 km/h, large hail exceeding 5 cm in diameter, and a moderate chance of tornadoes. The storm tracked across the Great Masurian Lakes area, striking towns including Korsze, Reszel, Kętrzyn, Węgorzewo, and Giżycko with heavy rain, strong wind, and hail. Lightning strikes were also recorded in Ełk and Gołdap.
Did You Know? Hailstones reaching 6 to 8 centimeters in diameter—comparable in size to table tennis balls—damaged building roofs in Lubomin during the severe weather event.
Damage Reports and Regional Impacts Across Poland
Residents in northeastern Poland reported significant material damage and power outages caused by the massive hail and violent winds. Firefighters across the region handled roughly 60 weather-related callouts, primarily responding to broken trees. Later in the evening, a stationary storm cell developed near Iłża in the southern part of the Masovian Voivodeship, producing heavy rain, electrical activity, and possible hail. Storms also formed in Olsztyn and the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, where a nearly stationary storm in Ciężkowice prompted warnings of potential flash flooding from the Sieć Obserwatorów Burz.
Expert Insight: As atmospheric fronts transition into high-pressure systems over the weekend, tracking official alerts remains critical for public safety during rapid convective events. According to Michał Folwarski of the Instytut Meteorologii i Gospodarki Wodnej, weather conditions are expected to improve once a high-pressure system moves over the country between Friday night and Saturday.
Official Weather Warnings and Forecasts for Friday
The Rządowe Centrum Bezpieczeństwa issued an alert warning of forecasted storms, strong winds, and heavy rainfall across 14 voivodeships, advising residents to avoid open spaces and prepare for potential power outages. Additional severe weather is expected on Friday. According to the Sieć Obserwatorów Burz, storms could begin in the morning hours as a continuation of overnight activity, lasting until early afternoon. These storms may generate torrential rain, hail up to 4 to 5 cm in diameter, and wind gusts reaching 90 to 100 km/h, alongside continued electrical activity and property damage risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which regions faced the highest storm risk?
The Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, parts of the Podlaskie Voivodeship, and the Suwałki region were placed in zones of high storm risk.
What were the dimensions of the largest hail reported?
Residents reported large hailstones measuring approximately 6 to 8 centimeters, which is comparable to the size of table tennis balls.
How many voivodeships received the Government Security Centre alert?
The Rządowe Centrum Bezpieczeństwa sent out safety alerts to recipients across 14 voivodeships.
How do you plan to secure your property if severe storms return to your area?
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