Austria, Slovenia: Adverse weather forecast across both countries through at least Dec. 2

Severe weather is forecast across much of Austria and Slovenia through at least Dec, 2. A low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy snowfall over elevated areas of Austria and rainfall across southern Austria and Slovenia. Precipitation may be accompanied by strong winds in places. Persistent rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.

As of Dec. 1, the respective meteorological services have issued the following warnings across the affected region:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of southern Carinthia State in Austria and northwest regions in Slovenia.

• Orange heavy snowfall warnings: Across much of Carinthia and parts of southeastern Salzburg, western Styria, and southeastern Tyrol states in Austria.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Central, southeast, and southwest regions in Slovenia.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Across most of the rest of Carinthia State not under orange rain warnings and parts of southwestern Styria State in Austria and central, northeast, and southeast regions in Slovenia.

• Yellow heavy snowfall warnings: Across most of the rest of Austria not under orange snowfall warnings.

• Yellow black ice warnings: Across much of central Austria.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the 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 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. The adverse weather conditions could cause power outages throughout impacted areas.

Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. 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.

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