Europe: Adverse weather forecast across southern and southeastern Europe through at least Nov. 23

Event

Severe weather is forecast across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia through at least Nov. 23. Storms may be accompanied by heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail storms. As of early Nov. 21, the various meteorological agencies have issued the following warnings:

• Red (highest level on a three-tier scale) wind warnings: South Dalmatia Region in Croatia, Sardinia Region in Italy, and far northeastern Serbia.

• Orange heavy rainfall, thunderstorm, and strong wind warnings: southern and southwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina, far southwestern Bulgaria, western Croatia, eastern Greece, western and northeastern Italy, and northeastern Serbia.

• Yellow heavy rainfall, thunderstorm, and strong wind warnings: most of the rest of the affected area.

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.

Severe weather could also trigger intermittent flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region, though these are unlikely to be severe or prolonged. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas.

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
Bulgarian National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH)
Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ)
Hellenic National Meteorological Service
Montenegro Department of Hydrometeorology and Seismology (ZHMS)
Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia (RHMS)
Servizio Meteorologico Aeronautica Militare
Slovenian Environment Agency (ARSO)