Europe: Adverse winter weather forecast across parts of Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia through at least Jan. 24

Event

Heavy snowfall and strong winds are forecast across much of Croatia and Slovenia and parts of southern Austria through at least Jan. 24. The heaviest snowfall is expected over mountainous parts of the regions, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms possible in some lower elevated areas. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages. Thunderstorms may be accompanied by lightning and hail. Hazardous travel conditions are likely due to icy roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.

The respective meteorological agencies have issued the following weather warnings across the affected region:

• Red strong wind warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Rijeka Region and most northern coastal water in Croatia, and southwestern Slovenia.

• Orange snowfall warnings: Parts of southern Carinthia and southern Styria states in Austria; Gospic Region in Croatia;,and northeastern, southeastern, and southwestern Slovenia.

• Orange strong wind warnings: All other coastal waters in Croatia not under red warnings, and northeastern and northwestern Slovenia.

• Yellow snow warnings: Across the rest of Carinthia not under orange warnings and parts of far southeastern Salzburg and central and western Styria states in Austria; Karlovac Region in Croatia, and central and northwestern Slovenia.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Dubrovnik and Split regions in Croatia.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Northeastern Slovenia.

• Yellow avalanche warnings: Northwestern Slovenia.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Dubrovnik, Gospic, Knin, Split, and Zagreb regions in Croatia, and central and southeastern Slovenia.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
Precipitation is expected to fall as snow across much of the affected region over the coming days, especially in areas of higher elevation. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. There is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected areas.

Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. 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.

Transport
The adverse weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in parts of the country over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area.

The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the worst affected areas. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along parts of the Adriatic coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in areas where heavy rainfall occurs.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall or other severe weather phenomena is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Meteo Alarm
Austria Central Institution for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG)
Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ)
Slovenia Environment Agency