Central Europe: Adverse weather forecast across the region through at least June 22

Thunderstorms are forecast across Austria, the Czech Republic, and southern Germany through at least June 22. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of June 20, Austria's Central Institution for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) has issued orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across most of the northern half of the country June 21-22. Yellow thunderstorm warnings are in place across much of central and northern and parts of southern and western Austria June 20 and across the southern half of the country June 21-22.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has issued orange thunderstorm warnings across the country June 21, with the exception of Karlovy Vary and much of Plzen regions in the west, which are under yellow thunderstorm warnings.

The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a red advance warning of severe thunderstorms (the second highest level on a four-tier scale) across parts of southern Bavaria June 20.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of 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 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 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.

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 cancellations are possible 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.