Central Europe: Adverse weather forecast across Slovenia and western, central, and southern Austria through at least Aug. 20

Event

Severe weather is forecast across Slovenia and parts of western, central, and southern Austria through at least Aug. 20. Storms may be accompanied by heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail storms.

As of Aug. 18, the Central Institution for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) has issued orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across parts of southeastern Tyrol and southwestern Carinthia states in southern Austria Aug. 18-19, as well as short-term orange thunderstorm warnings for parts of central Austria for the afternoon of Aug. 18. Yellow thunderstorm warnings have been issued across much of central and southern Austria Aug. 19-20. Orange rainfall warnings have been issued for parts of northern Salzburg, northern Tyrol, and Vorarlberg states Aug. 19-20 and yellow rainfall warnings are in place across much of the rest of western Austria and into parts of central Austria during the same period. High temperatures and more stable conditions are expected to persist over eastern regions, with orange and yellow heat warnings in place across the area through Aug. 19.

The Slovenia Environment Agency (ARSO) has issued orange thunderstorm warnings for the northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest regions and yellow thunderstorm warnings for the central region Aug. 18. Orange thunderstorm warnings are in place across the country Aug. 19.

Officials will likely continue to update these warnings in accordance with the development of the storms.

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 the region.

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
Central Institution for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG)
Slovenia Environment Agency (ARSO)