A rare combination of weather patterns led to Storm Boris, which unleashed record rainfall, flooding, and snowfall across central Europe, killing at least 12 people.
Storm Boris dropped several months' worth of rain in a few days, causing catastrophic flooding in Romania, Poland, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
The storm was fueled by an unusual mix of Arctic air, warm eastern air, and record-high Mediterranean sea temperatures, intensified by climate change.
Emergency efforts continue as the storm persists, with flood warnings and high risks of dam failures across several countries.
Key quote:
“Nothing can ease the suffering of the people of Pechea.”
— Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu.
Why this matters:
Storms like Boris demonstrate how climate change is amplifying extreme weather events. The unprecedented flooding and snowfall show how quickly and severely weather patterns can shift, leading to major disasters across large regions.
The years 1990-2016 rank among the worst periods of flooding in Europe in five centuries, according to an assessment of historical letters, annals and legal records.
