Eastern Europe: Adverse weather forecast across parts of the Czech Republic and Poland through at least May 18

Event

Heavy rainfall is forecast across parts of central, eastern, and southern Czech Republic and southern and eastern Poland through at least May 18. Rainfall totals of 3-6 cm (1.2-2,4 inches) are possible across parts of the affected areas. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes.

As of May 16, the meteorological agencies for the respective countries have issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of eastern and western Moravian-Silesian and northern Olomouc regions in the Czech Republic and parts of southern Lesser Poland, southeastern Silesia, and southwestern Subcarpathia provinces in Poland.

• Orange flood warnings: Parts of western Moravian-Sileasian, southeastern Pardubice, and central and southern Vysocina regions in the Czech Republic.

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

• Yellow flood warnings: Across much of central, eastern, and southern Czech Republic.

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 heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

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 cancelations 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 weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and 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.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI)
Poland Institute of Meteorology and Water Management - National Research Institute (IMGW-PIB)