Extreme wind gusts hit Iași on Sunday, where trees were felled, panels were detached from blocks of flats and tents were shattered for the half-marathon, which was eventually cancelled.
Iași and several counties in Moldova are under a strong wind orange until 18:00, meteorologists warning that gusts can reach 90 kilometers per hour.
The roof of a block of flats in the municipality was blown off by the wind and blown onto the street and at least one tree was downed by the gusts.
The strong wind raised large amounts of dust, reducing visibility and creating discomfort for pedestrians and drivers, Ziarul de Iasi writes, adding that several locals reported that in some areas of the city, the air became difficult to breathe due to the raised dust particles.
Drive slowly and carefully on the roads and some drivers even stop because of the strong storm, there are branches including on the road side.
The cited publication also writes that the gusts of wind tore down the tents of the organizers and partners of the running competition in the city, with the 2.5 km and 5 km races being canceled after previously being postponed by 30 minutes, during which the runners ran to shelter in the Palas Mall and in the commercial spaces around the Palace of Culture.
The authorities advised the population to avoid unnecessary travel, to be careful of objects that can be dislodged by the wind and to avoid areas with unstable trees or billboards.
