Europe: Adverse weather forecast across parts of the region through at least Nov. 4

Severe weather is forecast across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Serbia, and Slovenia through at least Nov. 4. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to affect parts of Slovenia from late Nov. 2 before spreading across the region Nov, 3-4. 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. 3:

• Red rain warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Northwestern Slovenia.

• Red wind warnings: Northeastern Serbia.

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Eastern, northern, and southwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina, Gospic and Rijeka regions in Croatia, eastern and southwestern Serbia, and the rest of Slovenia not under red warnings.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Knin and Rijeka regions in Croatia.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Gospic Region and southern coastal waters of Croatia, parts of eastern and southwestern Serbia, and across Slovenia.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Knin Region in Croatia, Kosovo, and across the rest of Serbia not under orange warnings.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across the rest of Croatia not under orange warnings, Kosovo, Serbia, and Slovenia.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across most of the rest of the affected area not under red or orange wind warnings.

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.