Southeastern Europe: Adverse weather forecast across parts of southeastern Europe through at least Aug. 21

Event

Following days of high temperatures in the region, the warm atmosphere is forecast to generate thunderstorms across parts of southeastern Europe through at least Aug. 21. The affected area includes parts of Croatia, Hungary, and Serbia. Storms may be accompanied by heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail storms.

As of Aug. 18, the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) has issued orange thunderstorms warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) for the Rijeka Region Aug. 18-19 and yellow thunderstorm warnings for the rest of the country Aug. 19.

The Hungarian Meteorological Service has issued orange thunderstorm warnings for Baranya, Bacs-Kiskun, Fejer, Gyor-Moson-Sopron, Komarom-Esztergom, Pest, Somogy, Tolna, Vas, Veszpem, and Zala counties and yellow thunderstorm warnings for Nograd County Aug. 19. Yellow thunderstorm warnings are in place across the country Aug. 20-21.

The Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia has issued orange thunderstorm warnings for Backa, Srem, and Western Serbia regions and yellow thunderstorm warnings for Belgrade and Southwestern Serbia regions Aug. 19. Orange heavy rainfall warnings for Backa Region and yellow heavy rainfall warnings for Southwestern Serbia, Srem, and Western Serbia regions have also been issued Aug. 19. A combination of orange and yellow thunderstorm and heavy rainfall warnings are in place across the country Aug. 20.

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

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

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.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in areas where thunderstorms are forecast. 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. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ)
Hungarian Meteorological Service
Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia (RHMS)