Southeastern Europe: Adverse weather forecast across parts of Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia through at least June 17 /update 4

Event

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across parts of southeastern Europe through at least June 17. The affected area includes parts of Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail are possible during storms. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes.

As of June 16, the respective meteorological agencies have issued the following weather warnings across the affected region:

• Red heavy rainfall warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Across Caras-Severin and Mehedinti counties and mountainous parts of Gorj and Hundeoara counties in Romania.
• Orange heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Gabrovo, Lovech, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Sofia, Sofia City, Vidin, and Vratsa provinces in Bulgaria; Central and West Macedonia, East Sterea and Evia, Eprius, the Ionian Islands, Thessaly, West Peloponnese, and West Sterea regions in Greece; across North Macedonia; across parts of northern, southwestern, and west-central Romania, and Pomoravlje Region in east-central Serbia.
• Yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Blagoevgrad, Kyustendil, Pleven, Plovdiv, Smolyan, Stara Zagora, and Veliko Tarnovo provinces in Bulgaria; the Dodecanese Islands, East Macedonia, East Peloponnese, North Aegean Islands, and Thrace regions in Greece; across Kosovo; across much of central, northern, and western Romania, and across central, eastern, northeastern, and southeastern Serbia.

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

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 severe weather impacts utility networks.

The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout affected regions. 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 will also likely trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in flood-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of 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

Bulgaria National Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH)
Greece Hellenic National Meteorological Service
North Macedonia Hydrometeorological Service
Romania National Administration of Meteorology 
Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia