27 Mar 2023 | 04:10 AM UTC
Hungary: Adverse weather forecast nationwide through at least March 28
Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall forecast across Hungary through at least March 28. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast across much of Hungary through at least March 28. Storms may be accompanied by heavy downpours, lightning, strong winds, and periods of hail. As of early March 27, the Meteorological Service of Hungary has issued the following warnings:
Orange rain warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Fejer, Somogy, Tolna, Veszprem, and Zala counties.
Orange strong wind warnings: Bacs-Kiskun, Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen, Fejer, Gyor-Moson-Sopron, Hajdu-Bihar, Komarom-Esztergom, Pest, Somogy, Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, Tolna, Vas, and Veszprem counties.
Yellow rain, thunderstorm, and strong wind warnings: the rest of the country.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the weather alerts over the coming days. Strong winds are forecast to persist over the western parts of the country March 28.
Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity across parts of Hungary. 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 cannot be discounted 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. The adverse weather conditions could cause power outages throughout 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. Strong winds might pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. 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 flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected areas. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, 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 weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments prior to travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays, as well as potential supply chain disruptions, where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
