Update 15 September 2024, 21:00:
In the evening of September 15, 2024, České dráhy extended the list of railway lines with stopped traffic:
Long-distance transport affected:
- Přerov – Ostrava
- Ostrava – Žilina / Ostrava – Zebrzydowice (Ostrava hl.n. – Bohumín – Dětmarovice)
- Olomouc – Krnov
- Ostrava – Opava východ
- Veselí nad Lužnicí – Jihlava
- Staré Město u Uherského Hradiště – Luhačovice
- Zábřeh na Moravě – Šumperk – Jeseník
There are over 22 more regional lines all across the country with stopped traffic too. The general advisory is not to travel by train if not necessary.
Original article on 15 September 2024, 7:30:
The Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic has announced that due to heavy flooding, the main corridor between Bohumín and Dětmarovice has been temporarily shut down. Speed restrictions have been imposed on several routes, with trains now operating at a maximum speed of 50 km/h, causing delays.
The section between Jistebník and Studénka on the Přerov – Ostrava line has also been closed as a safety measure. Long-distance services on routes connecting Prague to Žilina, Warsaw, and Przemysl will only operate up to Olomouc. Prior to the closure, trains were allowed to pass through the section at reduced speeds, but preventive closure was deemed necessary due to extreme weather conditions.
This means that the region is cut off by rail from the direction of Prague, as well as from Slovakia from the border crossing Čadca / Mosty u Jablunkova.
In response to the extreme weather warnings, České dráhy has introduced special measures for ticket refunds. Passengers who decide to cancel their journeys due to adverse weather conditions can return their tickets for a full refund, even on the day of travel. Travel minister advices to postpone any train travels on Sunday in Czechia as strong winds have contributed to the critical situation caused by heavy rainfall and branches as well as tress falling on tracks cause many previously unannounced track closures.
ČD Cargo has also activated its crisis readiness plan, maintaining constant communication with the Railway Infrastructure Administration's crisis team. The company has warned of potential disruptions due to flooding, fallen trees caused by soil saturation, or strong winds. Customers will be kept informed through the customer center and other communication channels.
Rail traffic into Ostrava is currently possible only via the Havířov route from Slovakia. The main corridor, particularly the Studénka – Jistebník section, has been one of the most affected, with operations halted since midnight.
The railway infrastructure in the region remains under close monitoring, and further updates will be provided as the situation evolves. Czech infrastructure manager, Správa železnic, updates the actual situation on its interactive map.
