Hungary: Adverse weather forecast across the country through at least June 28

Severe weather is forecast across Hungary through at least June 28. Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours may lead to flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of June 25, the Hungarian Meteorological Service has issued the following weather warnings across the country over the coming days:

• Orange heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Bacs-Kiskun, Baranya, Pest, Somogy, and Tolna counties June 26.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Bacs-Kiskun, Baranya, Bekes, Csongrad-Csanad, and Tolna counties June 25, across much of the country not under orange warnings June 26, and across central and eastern Hungary June 27.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across central, southern, and western regions June 25, across the rest of the country not under orange warnings June 26, across Hungary June 27, and across east-central and eastern regions June 28.

Officials will likely update and 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 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. Where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks, disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible.

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. The disruptive weather may cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Localized business disruptions are possible in areas impacted by severe weather; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.