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30 Nov 2023 | 02:14 AM UTC

Hungary: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Dec. 2

Severe weather is forecast across much of Hungary through at least Dec. 2. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.

Warning

Adverse weather is forecast over much of Hungary through at least Dec. 2. The Meteorological Service of Hungary has issued the following weather warnings:

  • Orange (middle level on a three-tier scale) sleet warnings: Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen, Heves, Nograd, and Pest counties Nov. 30

  • Yellow sleet warnings: Fejer, Komarom-Esztergom, Somogy, Veszprem, and Zala counties Nov. 30 and Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen, Heves, and Nograd counties Dec. 1

  • Yellow snow warnings: Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen, Heves, Nograd, Pest, and Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg counties Nov. 30

  • Yellow rain warnings: Fejer, Hajdu-Bihar, Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, and Pest counties Nov. 30 and Fejer, Hajdu-Bihar, Heves, Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Pest, Somogy, Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, Veszprem, and Zala counties Dec. 1

  • Yellow wind warnings: Gyo-Moson-Sopron and Veszprem counties Dec. 2

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

Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water and in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Precipitation could fall as snow, particularly in higher elevations, over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in affected areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

The disruptive weather may cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding and/or snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.

Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in the affected area. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.