21 Jul 2023 | 11:39 AM UTC
Czech Republic: Adverse weather forecast across much of the Czech Republic through at least early July 22
Severe weather forecast across parts of the Czech Republic through early July 22. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Thunderstorms are forecast across much of the Czech Republic, with the exception of northern regions, through at least early July 22. Heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail storms may accompany storms. Rainfall totals of up to 4 cm (1.6 inches) in the space of a few hours and winds gusting up to 90 kph (56 mph) are possible in parts of the affected areas. Heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.
As of July 21, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:
Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Across South Bohemian, South Moravian, and Vysocina regions; much of Olomouc Region; and parts of northwestern Moravian-Silesian, central, eastern, and southern Pardubice, and southern and southeastern Plzen regions.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across the rest of the affected area.
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.
