Afghanistan: Adverse weather forecast across central, southern, and western regions through at least March 29

Adverse weather is forecast across much of central, southern, and western Afghanistan through at least March 29. Heavy rainfall, snowfall in mountainous areas, and strong winds are expected across the affected regions March 26. Rainfall totals of 1.5-4 cm (0.6-1.6 inches) and snowfall accumulations of 15-40 cm (6-16 inches) are possible across parts of the affected area, as well as winds gusting up to 80 kph (50 mph). The Department of Meteorology of the Ministry of Transportation and Aviation has issued warnings for rainfall and possible flash flooding in parts of Herat, Farah, Faryab, Badghis, Sar-e-Pol, Ghor, Balkh, Samangan, Jowzjan, Daykundi, Bamyan, Ghazni, Kandahar, Uruzgan, Helmand, Zabul, Maidan Wardak, Parwan, Baghlan, Kapisa, Panjshir, Laghman, and Nuristan provinces March 26, with snowfall possible in some elevated areas of the affected regions. The heaviest precipitation is forecast across parts of eastern and southern Badghis, northwestern Farah, southern Faryab, southwestern Ghor, and eastern Herat provinces; red warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) are in place for these areas. Orange and yellow warnings are in place across the rest of the affected area, with the exception of southern regions. Strong winds are expected across northwestern, southern, southwestern, and western regions and may generate dust storms in arid areas. Calmer conditions may return to parts of the affected regions March 27-28 before more widespread precipitation is forecast in many areas March 29.

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, railways, 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.