Czech news in brief for July 18: Saturday's top morning headlines

Severe storms swept across Czechia last night as heavy rain, hail, and strong winds disrupted events including Colours of Ostrava. A crash involving six vehicles closes part of the D1 highway near Prague this morning, while firefighters have contained a forest blaze in Šumava National Park. Happy Saturday, here’s your curated look at this morning’s news.

Strong thunderstorms swept across Czechia on Friday evening and into Saturday morning, bringing heavy rain, hail, and strong winds to several regions. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute issued warnings for parts of Moravia and Silesia, while firefighters responded to flooding, fallen trees, and other storm-related incidents.

Weather impact: Storms disrupted the Colours of Ostrava music festival, where organizers paused performances and moved visitors to safer areas. Some regions recorded heavy rainfall, including 88 millimeters near Karlova Studánka.

A multi-vehicle crash closed the D1 highway toward Brno near Benešov on Saturday morning after a van caught fire and traffic backed up. Police said about six vehicles were involved when one driver failed to stop in time before the queue. No serious injuries were reported.

Traffic update: The van’s nine occupants escaped safely before the fire spread. The crash blocked all three lanes between Šternov and Psáře, forcing police to close the highway in the direction of Brno.

Firefighters extinguished a forest fire in Šumava National Park on Friday after flames burned through about 2,500 square meters between Stožec and Nová Pec in South Bohemia. The blaze was brought under control by the afternoon, with no further spread reported.

Fire response: Crews faced difficult terrain and set up a temporary water supply line after fire engines could not reach the site. Park firefighters remained overnight to monitor the area for flare-ups.

Around 1.5 tons of dead fish have been found in the Dyje River near the Nové Mlýny reservoirs in South Moravia, where oxygen levels have fallen due to a major cyanobacteria outbreak. Fishermen, water officials, and firefighters are working to remove the algae and save remaining fish.

Environmental concerns: Experts say recurring problems are linked to poor water quality in the lower reservoir. Some have called for draining it, while authorities are considering longer-term solutions including improved water treatment.

Major tram track repairs will begin Saturday on one of Prague’s busiest tram corridors, closing the section between Újezd and Lazarská until Aug. 10. The work will affect multiple tram lines, with passengers advised to use the metro as no replacement bus service will be provided.

Service changes: The project includes replacing worn tracks, upgrading switches, and renewing overhead line infrastructure. On Sunday, the closure will temporarily extend between Jiráskovo náměstí and Staroměstská for additional maintenance.