Europe: Adverse weather forecast across portions of central and eastern Europe through at least May 18

Event

Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible flooding are forecast across portions of central and eastern Europe through at least May 18. The affected area includes western Slovakia, far southern Poland, Slovenia, southern and eastern Austria, Serbia, Hungary, eastern and central Czech Republic, Croatia, and northeastern Italy. Authorities have issued orange-level warnings for flooding, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds across portions of southern Hungary, Slovakia, Serbia, eastern Czech Republic, northern Croatia, and northeastern Italy. Additionally, yellow-level warnings for strong winds, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall are in place across the remainder of the affected area. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
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. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Adriatic Sea if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (Austria)
Servizio Meteorologico (Italy)
Meteorological and Hydrological Service (Croatia)
Czech Hydrometeorological Institute
Meteorological Service of Hungary
Meteorological Office (Slovenia)
Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia
Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (Poland)
Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute