Europe: Adverse weather forecast across parts of the region through at least Nov. 23

Severe weather is forecast across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro through at least Nov. 23. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected across much of the region, with snowfall and sleet possible in elevated areas. 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.

Officials from the respective meteorological services have issued the following weather warnings across the region Nov. 21:

• Red strong wind warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Parts of the northern coastal waters of Croatia

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Banja Luka and Prijedor regions in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Central and Adriatic coast regions in Montenegro

• Orange strong wind warnings: The rest of the northern and central coastal waters of Croatia not under red warnings

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: The rest of Bosnia and Herzegovina not under orange warnings; Dubrovnik, Gospic, Karlovac, Knin, Rijeka, and Split regions in Croatia; and the Continental and Mountains Region in Montenegro

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Dubrovnik, Knin, Rijeka, and Split regions in Croatia, and the Central and Adriatic coast regions in Montenegro.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Dubrovnik, Knin, Rijeka, and Split regions and the southern coastal waters of Croatia and across Montenegro

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.