Croatia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in northwestern regions as of Sept. 29

Event

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of northwestern Croatia as of Sept. 29. Heavy rainfall late Sept. 28 saw rainfall accumulations of around 14 cm (5.5 inches) in the space of a few hours in the port city of Rijeka and surrounding areas of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Authorities in Rijeka reported one fatality after a person was swept away by floodwaters. Flooding triggered by the heavy downpours caused traffic congestion in the city and several homes and other buildings have been damaged. Areas of neighboring Istria County have also been affected by flooding, including the town of Pazin. Floods and landslides have blocked several roads in the county. Floodwaters have begun to recede in most areas; however, damage assessments are ongoing and lingering disruptions are likely in the coming hours and days.

Further heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast over the region through at least Oct. 1, which could trigger additional flooding and hamper ongoing recovery efforts. The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) has issued orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) and yellow thunderstorm warnings over Rijeka Region Sept. 29 and yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings Sept. 30.

Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional 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 worst-affected regions. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. 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.

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
Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ)