EASTERN SR: On Monday afternoon and early evening, storms accompanied by strong winds hit eastern Slovakia."A storm system accompanied by very strong winds with gusts over 100 km/h is currently moving through Šariš! It is moving north to northeast and will pass through other districts very quickly, within the next few dozen minutes," the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) reported at approximately 5:25 p.m. on social media.

"As a result of the storm with strong gusty winds, we are recording several fallen trees and broken branches on roads in the region. The situation can change quickly!" warned the Košice Regional Police.

She urged all drivers to be extra careful, slow down and pay attention to obstacles on the road."Be extremely careful when driving through wooded areas!" added the law enforcement officers.

The worst is over, a storm system accompanied by extremely strong winds has already moved from Šariš over Poland.

Emergency situation in Prešov and Gelnica

In Jaklovce, the roof was blown off a car that was on the road in front of family homes. The wind also ripped the roof off a block of flats in Gelnica. The road to Žakarovce was impassable due to fallen trees.

Prešov declared an emergency at 18:20. The crisis staff has already met and will meet again at 20:00."Residents of the city of Prešov who were affected by this natural disaster and have recorded material damage can contact an employee of the city of Prešov and a member of the crisis staff at peter.kulan@presov.sk or the Prešov City Police at the quick contact number 159," informed the city spokesman Michal Hudák.

The city of Gelnica has also declared a state of emergency after a severe storm caused significant damage. A crisis team is meeting at the local ice rink. The city hall is asking residents to document the extent of the weather damage in their area.

Many trees were broken by the wind in Svidník. Fallen trees also blocked the road between Medzev and Štós. Reader Terézia reported that more than 20 trees were broken in Gelnica and Jaklovce. The road is only passable in one lane in several places.

Police: Some roads are completely impassable

Later, the Prešov regional police also warned of problems due to strong winds and heavy rain:"We are alerting the citizens of the Prešov region to the adverse weather situation, which is accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds."

Police officers add that there are traffic restrictions in several places, some sections of the road are completely impassable. According to law enforcement officers, all emergency services, including police, are working intensively to manage the situation.

"We ask you for patience, increased caution and consideration when moving on and off the roads," the regional police added.

Problems on the railways due to fallen trees

Due to a fallen tree on the railway tracks, traffic was interrupted on the Švedlár - Nálepkovo section from 17:00. Later, the tree was removed and traffic was restored. The fallen tree also interrupted traffic on the Ruskov - Slanec section from 16:57.

Rail traffic on the Kapušany pri Prešove - Bardejov section was also interrupted from 17:55. The traction line on the line between Prešov and Sabinov is damaged.

Earlier in the day, a fallen tree also disrupted traffic in the Dlhá nad Oravou - Oravský Podzámok section and in the Hnúšťa - Rimavská Baňa section.

Entry to cemeteries banned in Prešov

"After the strong wind that hit Prešov, several damaged tree crowns were identified in the city cemeteries, which may threaten the health and safety of visitors," the Technical Services of the City of Prešov reported on Monday evening about the ban on entry to city cemeteries.

The ban was issued by the cemetery administrator and is in effect until further notice."Entry is strictly at your own risk."

The consequences of the devastating weather are bringing together volunteers who are helping with the damage. A wave of solidarity has risen on social networks. Many people are offering a helping hand. For example, the Parish of the Queen of Peace in Prešov is calling for volunteers with gloves or a chainsaw for an evening shift.