Europe: Adverse weather forecast across the eastern Czech Republic, central and southern Poland, and Slovakia through at least Aug. 6

Event

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across parts of eastern Europe through at least Aug. 6. The affected area includes the eastern Czech Republic, central and southern Poland, and across Slovakia. 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 Aug. 4, the meteorological agencies for the respective countries have issued the following warnings across the affected region:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of northern Moravian-Silesian and northern Olomouc regions in the Czech Republic; parts of southeastern Lower Silesia and southern Opole provinces in Poland; across Banksa Bystrica and Trencin and parts of central and western Kosice, eastern and northern Nitra, western Presov, and eastern, southern, and western Zilina regions in Slovakia.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Across Subcarpathia, most of Lublin, and parts of eastern Lesser Poland, southeastern Mazovia, and eastern Swietokrzyskie provinces in Poland.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: The rest of Moravian-Silesian and Olomouc not under orange rain warnings, across Pardubice, South Moravian, Vysocina, and Zlin, and parts of eastern and northern Hradec Kralove and eastern and southern South Bohemian regions in the Czech Republic; the rest of Opolle and much of the rest of Lower Silesia not under orange rain warnings, across Greater Poland, and parts of far southeastern Lubuskie provinces in Poland; and across the rest of Slovakia not under orange rain warnings.

• Yellow flood warnings: Parts of northern Moravian-Silesian, eastern Pardubice, and northern Olomouc regions in the Czech Republic.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across Lodz and Silesia and parts of central and western Lesser Poland, southwestern Mazovia, and central and western Swietokrzyskie provinces in Poland; and across Banksa Bystrica, Kosice, and Presov and parts of eastern and southern Nitra, southeastern Trencin, and eastern and southern Zilina regions in Slovakia.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming 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 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 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
Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI)
Poland Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW)
Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMU)