Western Europe: Adverse weather forecast across Belgium, France, central and southern Germany, and Luxembourg through at least Feb. 23

Severe weather is forecast across much of Belgium, France, and Luxembourg and parts of central and southern Germany through at least Feb. 23. A cold front moving through the region will bring heavy downpours, isolated thunderstorms, and strong winds across much of the affected area. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages. Thunderstorms may be accompanied by lightning and hail.

As of Feb. 22, the respective meteorological services have issued the following weather warnings:

• Purple strong wind warnings: Parts of the Harz mountain range in Saxony-Anhalt State in Germany.

• Red strong wind warnings: Parts of southwestern and western Baden-Wurrtemberg State in Germany.

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Deux-Sevres and Vendee departments in western France and parts of western and southwestern Germany.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Across the northern half of Belgium, parts of northern and southwestern France, parts of central, southern, far southeastern, southwestern, and western Germany, and across Luxembourg.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Luxembourg Province in southern Belgium, much of northern and parts of eastern and western France, and across Luxembourg.

• Yellow thunderstorm and rough sea warnings: Western coastal areas of France.

• Yellow flood warnings: Across Luxembourg.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across the southern half of Belgium, much of the rest of mainland France not under orange warnings, and parts of central, eastern, southern, and western Germany.

• Yellow avalanche warnings: Alpine regions in southeastern France.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather 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 stormwater drainage systems. Sites 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 rainfall has saturated the soil.

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.

The severe weather could contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected areas. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions.