Austria, Slovenia: Adverse weather forecast over central, southern, and western Austria and across Slovenia through at least July 20

Severe weather is forecast over much of central, southern, and western Austria and across Slovenia through at least July 20. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected across the region; strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of July 19, the respective meteorological agencies have issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Across parts of southern and south-central Burgenland, eastern and east-central Carinthia, and southern and south-central Styria states in Austria and across central, northeastern, northwestern, and southwestern regions in Slovenia.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Across much of the rest of Stryia State not under orange warnings and part of central Burgenland, southern Lower Austria, and far southern Upper Austria states in Austria.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across much of central, southern, and western Austria and across Slovenia.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as 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 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 rain 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 regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with 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.