Southern Europe: Adverse weather warnings issued for parts of Southern Europe through March 22

Event

Officials have issued several adverse weather warnings for parts of Southern Europe March 21-22.

• Orange and yellow warnings for strong winds, thunderstorms, and snowfall in elevated regions are in place for several central and southern areas of Italy.

• Orange and yellow warnings for snowfall are in place for central and southern Serbia.

• Orange and yellow warnings for strong winds, thunderstorms, and snowfall are in place for parts of central, western, and northern Greece.

• Yellow warnings for snowfall have been issued for western Bulgaria.

• Orange and red warnings for strong winds are in effect for coastal areas of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Adverse weather warnings are likely to extend to parts of Albania, Kosov, San Marino, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia, and Vatican City. Officials could update or amend warnings over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
The adverse weather could produce rounds of heavy precipitation (including rain and snow), strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash, and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems.

Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area through March 22.

Transport
Floodwaters may disrupt operations on some bridges, rail networks, or roadways. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the Adriatic Sea coastline where strong winds could trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in the affected area through March 22. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.