Southern Europe: Adverse weather forecast to continue across Greece, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia through at least June 11 /update 1

Event

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast to continue across much of Greece, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia through at least June 11. Greece's Hellenic National Meteorological Service has issued an Extraordinary Bulletin of Weather Deterioration warning a barometric low will move across western, central, and northern Greece through June 11, bringing heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, lightning, and possible hail. The Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia (RHMS) has forecast heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across Serbia and Kosovo June 10-11, with the most severe weather expected in western, southwestern, and southern Serbia and across Kosovo. North Macedonia's Hydrometeorological Service has issued a weather warning stating unstable weather will continue across much of the country through June 11. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in many places and may be accompanied by strong winds, lightning, and hail.

As of June 10, authorities have issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Red thunderstorm warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Central and East Macedonia, Ionian Islands, Thessaly, West Peloponnese, and West Sterea regions in Greece.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: East Sterea and Evia, Epirus, North East Aegean Islands, Thrace, and West Macedonia regions in Greece; Kosovo; and Southeast Serbia Region in Serbia.

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Kosovo; and Southeast Serbia, Southwest Serbia, Sumadija, and Western Serbia regions in Serbia.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Attica, Cyclades Islands, Dodecanese Islands, and East Peloponnese regions in Greece; and Backa, Banat, Belgrade, Eastern Serbia, Pomoravlje, Southwest Serbia, Srem, Sumadija, and Western Serbia regions in Serbia.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Attica, Central, East, and West Macedonia, Cyclades Islands, East and West Peloponnese, Dodecanese Islands, East Sterea and Evia, Epirus, Ionian Islands, North East Aegean Islands, Thessaly, Thrace, and West Sterea regions in Greece; and Backa, Belgrade, Eastern Serbia. Pomoravlje, and Srem regions in Serbia.

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 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.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. 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.

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
Hellenic National Meteorological Service
Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia (RHMS)
North Macedonia Hydrometeolrogical Service