08 Feb 2021 | 02:21 PM UTC
Europe: Adverse weather forecast across eastern and southeastern regions through at least Feb. 9
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and flooding forecast across southeastern Europe through at least Feb. 9.
Event
Heavy rainfall, strong winds, flooding, and thunderstorms are forecast across southeastern Europe through at least Feb. 9. The affected areas include Greece, western Turkey, Bulgaria, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, far southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, far southern Serbia, Montenegro, western Croatia, central and southern Italy, Vatican City, and San Marino. As of Feb. 8, authorities have issued orange-level warnings for thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rainfall for western Turkey, far western and eastern Greece, Montenegro, far southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, central and southern Italy, Vatican City, and San Marino. Yellow-level warnings for strong winds, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall are in effect for much of the rest of the affected area. Authorities will likely expand coverage of the advisories as the systems approach and weather conditions change over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
The system could produce rounds of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity across southeastern Europe. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Transport
Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations.
The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic in the Aegean, Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, Ionian, Mediterranean, and Black Seas. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved; it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or debris is cleared. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair, or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements prior to travel in the affected area through at least Feb. 9. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions if routing shipments through affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.
