Europe: Adverse weather forecast across parts of the region through at least Nov. 11

Severe weather is forecast across parts of southeastern Europe through at least Nov. 11. A cold front is expected to bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across much of Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia from the afternoon Nov. 10 through at least early Nov. 11. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

Meteorologists have forecast thunderstorms and at times intense downpours will impact much of Albania from noon Nov. 10. The western lowlands will likely be the worst affected areas. Winds are expected to strengthen throughout Nov. 10; the strongest gusts are likely in coastal and elevated areas. Snowfall is possible in the eastern mountain ranges.

As of Nov. 10, Montenegro's Institute for Hydrometeorology and Seismology (ZHMS) has issued orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across the country and orange strong wind warnings for the Continental and Mountains and Adriatic coast regions. Yellow thunderstorm warnings have been issued for the Central and Adriatic coast regions, as well as yellow strong wind warnings for the Central Region and yellow rough sea warnings for the Adriatic coast Region. Further yellow heavy rainfall, thunderstorm, and strong wind warnings are in place across the country Nov. 11.

North Macedonia's Hydrometeorological Service has issued a weather warning advising that showers will spread from western regions across much of the country Nov. 10-early Nov. 11. Strong winds are forecast in central and southwestern regions. Snowfall is expected over the higher mountain ranges.

Officials will likely update and extend the coverage of weather alerts 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 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.

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.

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. The disruptive weather may cause delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Localized business disruptions may occur in areas impacted by severe weather; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.