On Sunday, April 26, a massive hurricane swept across almost the entire territory of Ukraine, tearing roofs off houses, toppling trees and billboards, and leaving a trail of destruction in 13 regions. According to official reports from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES), the severe winds claimed the lives of three people and caused widespread transportation chaos. Simultaneously, the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center has issued an orange (level two) weather warning, cautioning citizens about further deterioration of weather conditions and impending frosts lasting until April 29.
Tragic Casualties and Destruction
The storm did not spare any region, but the most tragic consequences were recorded in several specific areas. In the Cherkasy region, rescue teams were repeatedly deployed to mitigate the storm’s impact. In the city of Cherkasy, a large tree fell directly onto a moving quad bike. Unfortunately, the incident resulted in the death of a young woman born in 1997.
A similar tragedy occurred in the Zakarpattia region. Rescue services recorded five major incidents of trees falling onto roads and vehicles in the Mukachevo and Uzhhorod districts. The severe weather damaged five cars and tore the roof off a residential building. Tragically, in one of the settlements in the Uzhhorod district, a falling tree struck and killed a man.
The hurricane also left a devastating mark in the southeastern part of the country. In Zaporizhzhia, gale-force winds caused a heavy tree to crush a passenger car with a 39-year-old driver inside. The man was trapped in the mangled metal of his vehicle and sustained fatal injuries. Furthermore, a child in Poltava was severely injured by a falling tree and is currently receiving necessary medical care.
Power Outages and Emergency Response
The harsh weather conditions have caused widespread power disruptions. Dozens of settlements across various regions are currently experiencing emergency blackouts. The high winds continue to damage roofs and throw debris onto major roads, severely complicating the work of utility services and public transportation.
In response to the crisis, all SES units are operating in a reinforced emergency mode. Rescue teams have already carried out nearly 200 deployments to saw and remove fallen trees, clear highways, and conduct restoration work. A total of 647 rescuers and 150 pieces of specialized equipment have been mobilized to manage the aftermath.
The capital, Kyiv, also suffered significant damage. In the Pechersk district, the storm broke the legendary Ivashchenko chestnut tree, which was over 130 years old and had held the status of a botanical monument since 2013. Fallen trees in the city also severed power lines and damaged at least three parked vehicles.
Grim Weather Forecast
Meteorologists had previously warned that a powerful cold atmospheric front would cross Ukraine at the end of April, bringing storm winds, a significant drop in temperature, and even wet snow.
Experts forecast that cold air masses from the Baltic Sea will continue to flow into Ukraine until April 29. Wind gusts of up to 15-20 meters per second are expected to persist across the country, excluding the western regions. Additionally, forecasters warn of severe overnight frosts, with temperatures projected to drop to between 0 and -5 degrees Celsius. An orange warning level is in effect.
Authorities and rescue services strongly urge citizens to adhere to safety guidelines. Ukrainians are advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, avoid walking near old trees, billboards, power lines, and unstable structures. Drivers are explicitly warned against parking their vehicles under massive trees or antennas to prevent further tragedies and property damage.