Central Europe: Adverse weather forecast across much of Austria, Switzerland, and northern Italy through at least May 24

Event

Thunderstorms are forecast across much of Austria, Switzerland, and northern Italy through at least May 24. The thunderstorms may be accompanied by heavy rainfall, strong winds, lightning, and possible hailstorms.

As of May 23, the meteorological agencies for the respective countries have issued the following warnings:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Across northern parts of Salzburg, Tyrol, Upper Austria, and Voralberg states in Austria; most of northern, central, and western Switzerland; and Piedmont Region in Italy.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across much of the rest of Austria, with the exception of some southern and southeastern regions; and Aosta Valley, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Trentino-South Tyrol, and Veneto regions in Italy.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Lombardy, Piedmont, and Trentino-South Tyrol regions in Italy.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, Lombardy, and Piedmont regions in Italy.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash and areal flooding in parts of the affected area. 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. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Strong winds associated with the storms could down power lines and cause power outages in the affected area.

Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected regions.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Austria Central Institution for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG)
Switzerland Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology
Italy Servizio Meteorologico Aeronautica Militare