Austria: Adverse weather forecast across most of the country through at least Dec. 23

Heavy rainfall, snowfall, and strong winds are forecast across most of Austria through at least Dec. 23. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds may combine with heavy snowfall to generate hazardous travel conditions in mountainous areas due to reduced visibility caused by blowing snow. Icy and frosty conditions are also expected in elevated areas, as well as possible avalanches.

As of early Dec. 22, the Austria Central Institution for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area through Dec. 23:

• Orange rain warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): southwestern Lower Austria, eastern Salzburg, northern Styria, and southern Upper Austria states.

• Orange snow warnings: western Tyrol and Vorarlberg states.

• Orange strong wind warnings: northern and central Burgenland, Lower Austria, Salzburg, northern Styria, Tyrol, Upper Austria, Vienna, and Vorarlberg states.

• Yellow rain, snow, and strong wind warnings: most of the rest of the affected area.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as conditions change 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 or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous 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. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant winds, 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. 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.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.