Czech Republic, Slovakia: Adverse weather forecast across central, southern, and eastern Czech Republic and much of Slovakia through at least May24

Event

Severe weather is forecast across parts of the central, southern, and eastern Czech Republic and much of Slovakia, with the exception of some eastern regions, through at least May 24. Thunderstorms are forecast across the affected areas, with the most severe storms likely in parts of eastern and southeastern Czech Republic and central and southern Slovakia. Heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail storms may accompany storms. Flood warnings are in place across parts of the eastern Czech Republic and central, northern, and southern Slovakia.

As of May 23, the respective meteorological institutes have issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Across Zlin, much of South Moravian, and parts of central, southeastern, and southern Moravian-Silesian, southeastern Olomouc, and southern and southeastern Vysocina regions in the Czech Republic; and the eastern half of Banska Bystrica Region in Slovakia.

• Orange flood warnings: Across the eastern half of Banska Bystrica and parts of northwestern Zilina regions in Slovakia.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across the rest of the affected area not under orange thunderstorm warnings in both countries.

• Yellow flood warnings: Across much of Zlin and parts of southeastern Moravian-Silesian and far southeastern South Moravia regions in the Czech Republic, and parts of east-central Kosice Region in Slovakia.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the weather alerts over the coming hours and 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 flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancelations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI)
Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMU)