Denmark: Adverse weather forecast across most of the country through at least Dec. 24

Severe weather is forecast across most of Denmark through at least Dec. 24. A storm system named Pia is forecast to pass to the north of the country late Dec. 21-early Dec. 22, bringing strong winds, rainfall, and elevated water levels, particularly in western regions. Another front is expected to move in from the west Dec. 24, with precipitation initially falling mainly as sleet before transitioning to rainfall across much of the country through the day. Flooding is possible in low-lying areas and coastal regions and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of Dec. 20, the Danish Meteorological Institute has issued orange (the middle level on a three-tier scale) warnings for elevated water levels across parts of the west coast of Jutland and orange warnings for hurricane-force winds across parts of western, eastern, and southeastern Jutland, northern and northwestern Zealand, and other smaller eastern and southern islands. Strong yellow wind warnings are in place for parts of central, eastern, northern, and southern Jutland, Funen, northern, southern, and western Zealand, and other smaller eastern and southern islands. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Coastal flooding is possible in areas affected by strong onshore winds. 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. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.

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.

Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and employees' inability to reach work sites. Electricity and telecommunications service disruptions are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.