04 Aug 2023 | 03:05 PM UTC
Slovenia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of the country as of Aug. 4
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Slovenia as of Aug. 4. Casualties reported; evacuations and power outages ongoing.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Slovenia as of Aug. 4. Heavy rainfall has caused river levels to rise and triggered widespread flooding in many areas, with northern and western regions the worst affected. Authorities have reported three flood-related fatalities in the cities of Kranj and Kramnik in northern Slovenia. Authorities have carried out evacuations in Celje and Skofja Loka, and emergency services have responded to thousands of calls for assistance from people who have been impacted by the flooding across the affected areas. Flooding and landslides have made many roads in affected areas impassable, including sections of the A1 highway between Ljubljana and Maribor. Rail services have also been heavily disrupted. Although flights are still operating at Ljubljana Airport (LJU), airport authorities have advised that closed roads in the region are making accessing the airport difficult; some flight delays are occurring. At least 16,000 people are without power in affected parts of the country, and floodwaters have submerged hundreds of buildings.
The Slovenian Environment Agency has forecast further torrential downpours across much of the country through at least early Aug. 5. Officials have issued red heavy rainfall warnings across central, northeastern, northwestern, and southwestern regions and orange heavy rainfall warnings for southwestern regions. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming hours and days.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional 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 heavy rain has saturated the soil. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
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 affected areas. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with 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 updates on road status and weather conditions. Confirm road status and seek alternative routes to reach destinations in the affected areas; allow additional travel time. Delivery disruptions are possible; consider delaying or rerouting shipments until road access normalizes. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
