28 Aug 2023 | 06:33 AM UTC
Europe: Adverse weather forecast across parts of southern and southeastern regions through Aug. 30
Severe weather forecast across southeastern and southern Europe through Aug. 30. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.
Event
Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast across parts of southeastern and southern Europe through at least Aug. 30. Storms are forecast to break out amid an ongoing heatwave in the region and affect Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, southeastern France, southern Germany, Hungary, Italy, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.
As of early Aug. 28, the meteorological agencies for the respective countries have issued the following warnings across the affected region:
Red heavy rainfall warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): far western Austria, far southern Germany, northern Italy, and central Switzerland
Orange thunderstorm and heavy rainfall warnings: the rest of western Austria, most of Bosnia and Herzegovina, most of Croatia, Corsica Island in France, the rest of southern Germany, Hungary, central Italy, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, southern Slovakia, Slovenia, and the rest of central and eastern Switzerland
Yellow thunderstorm and heavy rainfall warnings: across the rest of the affected area
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
In Germany, reports indicate that heavy rainfall resulted in flooding of streets and houses in the Straubing region. Authorities have declared a disaster for Bad Bayersoien Municipality, where around 150 houses were damaged. Officials have evacuated more than 100 residents in a senior citizens group home in the town of Kissing in Aichach-Friedberg due to damage; 12 people in the town were also injured.
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.
