Bosnia and Herzegovina: Adverse weather forecast across most regions through at least June 11

Event

Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are forecast across Bosnia and Herzegovina through at least June 11. The Federal Hydrometeorological Institute of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has issued an orange warning for heavy rainfall across northern areas of Bosnia June 10-11. Rainfall totals of 3-5 cm (1-2 inches) are expected across the affected area, with isolated higher totals of up to 7 cm (3 inches). Further showers and thunderstorms are forecast over the rest of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina over the coming days. The Republic Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Srpska has warned of unstable weather with heavy showers, thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible hail storms across parts of the republic June 8-11. The heaviest rainfall is expected in northern areas late June 9. The heavy rainfall could trigger flash and urban flooding in parts of the affected areas,

As of June 9, MeteoAlarm has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Orange heavy rainfall warning(the middle level on a three-tier scale): Tuzla Region.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Banja Luka, Bihac, Foca, Livno, Mostar, Prijedor, Sarajevo, Trebinje, Tuzla, and Visegrad regions.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Banja Luka, Bihac, Prijedor, Sarajevo, and Visegrad regions.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Banja Luka, Bihac, Foca, Prijedor, Trebinje, and Visegrad 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 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. 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 regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and 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. 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.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Federal Hydrometeorological Institite of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Republic Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Srpska