Salvamont Brașov, warning for tourists due to the “dangerous” weather conditions in the mountain area

Salvamont Brașov recommends avoiding traveling in the high mountain area while the warnings issued by the National Meteorological Administration (ANM) are in force.

Brașov mountain rescuers say that “dangerous” weather conditions have been forecast “for the mountainous area of ​​the county”.

“For the interval December 26, 2:00 p.m. – December 27, 4:00 p.m., a CODE YELLOW weather warning is in force, targeting wind intensifications, and blizzard snow in the mountains. Wind gusts will frequently reach 70-80 km/h, and in the high mountain area of the Southern Carpathians they can reach 90-120 km/h, causing snow drifts submitted”, said Salvamont Brașov, on Friday, in a post on Facebook.

Salvamont Brașov stated that the warning will also be valid between December 27, 4 p.m., and December 28, 2 a.m., with gusts of up to 90–110 km/h in the high area.

“Subsequently, between December 28, 02:00 a.m. and December 29, 10:00 a.m., an ORANGE CODE is issued for the high area of ​​the Southern Carpathians, characterized by strong intensification of the wind, with gusts that can exceed 110-130 km/h, heavy snow and very low visibility,” the release states.

Salvamont Brașov warns that “these conditions will lead to a severe reduction of visibility in the mountain area, including through the transport of already deposited snow, even in areas where the snow cover is reduced”.

“The blizzard can quickly generate uneven accumulations of snow, the formation of wind plates and major orientation difficulties, significantly increasing the risk of accidents or going astray. At the same time, wind intensifications will considerably amplify the feeling of cold”, notes Salvamont Brașov.

The rescuers explained that “the temperatures felt can quickly drop to critical values, at which the risk of frostbite appears in a short period of time, and hypothermia can set in quickly, especially in the case of insufficiently equipped people, those who underestimate the weather conditions or overestimate their physical capabilities”.

“Prolonging the effort and exposure to the cold can have direct consequences on the body's response, affecting the ability to react and the safety of travel,” notes Salvamont Brașov.

The recommendations of mountain rescuers

Salvamont Brașov, which stated that it “constantly monitors the evolution of weather conditions”, recommends “avoiding travel in the high mountain area during the warnings, postponing alpine activities and ridge routes, as well as planning with maximum responsibility any activity carried out in the mountains”.

“Preliminary information on weather conditions, adaptation of itineraries to the situation on the ground and the use of appropriate equipment for the winter season are essential to prevent incidents. Salvamont Brașov County Service lifeguards constantly monitor the evolution of weather conditions and remain ready to intervene, but prevention and responsible decisions by tourists are an essential element for everyone's safety”, concluded Salvamont Brașov.

Photo source: Iryna Sosnytska | Dreamstime.com