Europe: Adverse weather forecast across much of Austria, Czech Republic, and Poland through at least July 11

Thunderstorms are forecast across much of Austria, Czech Republic, and Poland through at least July 11. Heavy downpours, strong winds, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. Heavy rainfall may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of early July 10, Austria's Central Institution for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) has issued orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across northern Austria and yellow thunderstorm warnings across central and eastern and parts of western Austria July 10-11.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI) has issued orange thunderstorm warnings across most of the country July 10, with the exception of far western areas which are under yellow thunderstorm warnings. The orange warnings persist in eastern regions through early July 11.

Poalnd's Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) has issued red thunderstorm warnings across Lubusz and West Pomeranian and parts of central, northern, and western Greater Poland, northwestern and western Lower Silesian, and western Pomeranian provinces July 10. Orange and yellow thunderstorm warnings are in place for the rest of the western half of Poland.

Officials could update and/or 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 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.