13 Jul 2023 | 01:32 AM UTC
Croatia: Adverse weather forecast across the northern regions through at least July 13
Severe weather forecast across northern Croatia through at least July 13. Disruptions to transport, business, and utilities possible.
Event
Thunderstorms are forecast across much of Croatia through at least July 13. Heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail may accompany the storms. Heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities, and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.
As of early July 13, Croatia's State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ) has issued orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across the Karlovac, Osijek, and Zagreb regions. Yellow thunderstorm warnings are in place over the rest of the affected area. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity across the affected areas. 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 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, landslides, or strong winds 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. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected areas. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Adriatic Coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. 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.
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 affected areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
