JULY 1, 2026

Powerful storm kills one in Romania after intense heatwave grips much of Europe

A powerful storm struck Romania's capital, Bucharest, overnight into Wednesday, killing one person and causing flooding across 20 counties. Emergency services received more than 2,200 requests for help following the storm, which hit 60 localities. The fatality occurred in the Ilfov County area, where a tree fell on a car.

A torrential storm swept through Bucharest and surrounding regions overnight into Wednesday, bringing severe flooding and wind damage after a period of intense heat across Romania and much of Europe. The General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) reported that one person died in the Ilfov County municipality neighboring Bucharest when a falling tree struck their vehicle.

Emergency services pumped water from more than 350 houses and 100 streets across the affected area. Rescuers, along with trucks, water pumps, and chainsaws, were deployed from other counties to assist with the response. In total, IGSU reported 988 trees downed during the storm and 495 cars damaged.

Romania had been experiencing an intense heatwave in the days leading up to the storm, with temperatures in some areas forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). The Associated Press noted that the heatwave was part of a broader weather pattern affecting much of Europe this week.