Bosnia and Herzegovina: Adverse weather forecast across the country July 26

Event

Severe weather is forecast across Bosnia and Herzegovina July 26. The Federal Hydrometeorological Institute has issued an orange alert (the middle level on a three-tier scale) for heavy showers, thunderstorms, and strong winds across the country. Lightning and hail may accompany storms. Rainfall totals of 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 inches) and winds gusting up to 80 kph (50 mph) are possible in parts of the country. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.

As of July 26, the following weather warnings have been issued across Bosnia and Herzegovina:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Tuzla Region.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Banja Luka, Bihac, Prijedor, Sarajevo, and Tuzla regions.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Banja Luka, Foca, Sarajevo, Trebinje, and Visegrad regions.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Banja Luka, Foca, Livno, and Sarajevo regions.

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 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 cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible 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
Bosnia and Herzegovina Federal Hydrometeorological Institute