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24 Nov 2023 | 05:15 AM UTC

Kosovo, Serbia: Adverse weather forecast across the region through Nov. 26.

Heavy rainfall and snowfall forecast across Kosovo and Serbia through Nov. 26. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.

Warning

Heavy rainfall, heavy snowfall, and strong winds are forecast across Kosovo and Serbia through at least Nov. 26. Storms may bring strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds during thunderstorms could cause property damage and power outages. The combination of strong winds and snowfall could lead to blizzard conditions. Hazardous travel conditions are likely.

The Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

  • Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): across Pomoravlje, Southern and Eastern Serbia, and Sumadija regions in Serbia Nov. 24, across Southern and Eastern Serbia Region in Serbia and Kosovo Nov. 25.
  • Orange snow and ice warnings: Southern and Eastern Serbia Region in Serbia and Kosovo Nov. 25.
  • Orange strong wind warnings: across eastern Serbia Nov. 25.
  • Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: across the rest of southern and central Serbia Nov. 24.
  • Yellow snow and ice warnings: across central Serbia Nov. 25 and across central and southern Serbia Nov. 26.
  • Yellow strong wind warnings: across most of Serbia Nov. 26.

Officials could update and extend the coverage of the weather alerts over the coming hours and days.

The storm system could produce rounds of heavy precipitation (including rain and snow), strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity in affected areas. 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, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Precipitation could fall as snow in parts of the regions 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 could cause some delays and cancellations at airports across the affected area. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding 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.

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments prior to travel. Make allowances for potential localized travel delays and supply chain disruptions where flooding is forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.