18 Jun 2021 | 08:43 AM UTC
Ukraine: Adverse weather forecast in Crimea through at least June 19
Storms with heavy rainfall, strong winds, hail, and possible flooding forecast in Crimea, Ukraine, through June 19. Disruptions possible.
Event
Further thunderstorms with heavy rainfall, strong winds, hail, and possible flooding and landslides, are forecast across Crimea through at least June 19.
Government Advisories
As of June 18, the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center has issued the following warning:
Yellow-level (second-lowest level on a four-tired scale) warnings for thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, strong wind, and hail warnings for Crimea.
Officials will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours.
As of June 18, emergency crews have evacuated at least 70 people from Kerch as reports indicate power outages across the city due to flooding. Additionally, authorities turned off pumping stations in Kerch, Leninsky, and Kirovsky districts, disrupting the water supply to more than 20,000 people. Reports also indicate flooding in portions of Pryozerne and Novovidradne villages June 17, though waters have since receded. Additional rainfall could exacerbate the current situation. There have been no reports of casualties as of June 18.
Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce further rounds of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity. 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. Additional power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to potential transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate additional low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Floodwaters and related debris may render 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.
The disruptive weather could 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. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with 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. 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. 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 the case of prolonged electricity outages.
