18 May 2022 | 09:15 AM UTC
Kazakhstan: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least May 21
Severe weather forecast across most of Kazakhstan through at least May 21. Possible disruptions to transport, business, and utilities.
Event
Adverse weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, thunderstorms, and hailstorms are forecast across most of Kazakhstan through at least May 21. Thunderstorms are expected across most of the country during this period, with heavy rainfall likely in southern and southeastern regions May 19-21 and in western and northwestern regions May 20-21. There is also a threat of dust storms and a high risk of forest fires in areas that receive little precipitation due to strong winds.
As of May 18, the National Hydrometeorological Service of Kazakhstan has issued the following warnings:
Red high fire hazard warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Pavlodar Region.
Orange heavy rain and strong wind warnings: Jambyl Region.
Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Akmola and Turkistan regions.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Akmola, Aktobe, Almaty, Atyrau, Jambyl, Karaganda, Kostanay, Mangystau, North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, Turkistan, and West Kazakhstan regions.
Yellow wind warnings: Akmola, Aktobe, Almaty, Atyrau, Karaganda, Kostanay, Kyzylorda, Mangystau, North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, Turkistan, and West Kazakhstan regions.
Yellow fog warnings: Kostanay Region.
Yellow other hazard warnings: Kyzylorda, Mangystau, North Kazakhstan, Turkistan, and West Kazakhstan regions.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change 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 heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
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. The disruptive weather may cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the region, including but not limited to Almaty International (ALA) and Nursultan Nazarbayev International (NQZ) airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight 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 officials clear debris. 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 before traveling in affected areas. 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. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
