Europe: Adverse weather forecast across parts of Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and North Macedonia through at least Sept. 28.

Event

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across parts of southeastern Europe through at least Sept. 28. The affected area includes parts of Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Greece's Hellenic National Meteorological Service has issued an Emergency Bulletin of Dangerous Weather Phenomena regarding a storm system named Elias that will bring heavy rainfall and storms primarily to mainland Greece over the coming days. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail are possible during 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 Sept. 25, the respective meteorological agencies have issued the following weather warnings across the affected region:

• Red thunderstorm warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Thessaly Region in Greece.

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Central Macedonia, East Sterea and Evia, Epirus, Thessaly, West Macedonia, and West Sterea regions in Greece, across Montenegro, and across northern and western North Macedonia.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Central Macedonia, East Sterea and Evia, Epirus, West Macedonia, and West Sterea regions in Greece and across northern and western North Macedonia.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Central and south-central regions in North Macedonia.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across Montenegro and central, eastern, south-central, and southeastern regions of North Macedonia.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Central and coastal regions of Montenegro.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

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 severe weather impacts utility networks.

The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout affected regions. 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 will also likely trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in flood-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of 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.

Resources

Greece Hellenic National Meteorological Service
Montenegro Institute for Hydrometeorology and Seismology
North Macedonia Hydrometeorological Service