Czech Republic: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Jan. 5

Severe weather is forecast across the Czech Republic through at least Jan. 5. Showers are forecast across the country Jan. 3-4, with snowfall possible in elevated areas. The heaviest rainfall is likely in southwestern regions, where rainfall totals of 6-9 cm (2.4-3.5 inches) are possible. Strong winds are also expected across much of the country, with the strongest gusts likely in mountainous areas. Many rivers are already at elevated levels across the Czech Republic and additional downpours will likely exacerbate the situation. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of Jan. 3, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI) has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Red flood warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Parts of southern Plzen Region.

• Orange flood warnings: Parts of northern Central Bohemian, central, northern, and southern Hradec Kralove, western Karlovy Vary, northwestern Pardubice, central and western Plzen, western Olomouc, western South Bohemian, and eastern Usti nad Labem regions.

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of southern and western Plzen and southwestern South Bohemian regions.

• Yellow flood warnings: Across much of the rest of northern and western Czech Republic not under red or orange flood warnings and parts of central, northeastern, and southeastern Czech Republic.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of northern and southeastern Hradec Kralove and eastern Liberec regions.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across Karlovy Vary, Pardubice, Plzen, Prague, South Bohemian, and Vysocina regions and parts of central, eastern, southern, and western Central Bohemian, southwestern South Moravian, and western Usti nad Labem regions.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the weather alerts over the coming hours and 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 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant 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. 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 cancelations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

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 some employees' inability to reach work sites.