Hungary: Adverse weather forecast across most of the country through at least July 25

Severe weather is forecast across most of Hungary through at least July 25. Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected over the coming days. 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.

The Hungarian Meteorological Service has issued yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings (the lower level on a three-tier scale) across most of the country July 22, with the exception of Hajdu-Bihar and Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg counties in eastern Hungary. Orange heavy rainfall warnings are in place for Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen, Heves, and Nograd counties and yellow heavy rainfall warnings for Bacs-Kiskun, Bekes, Csongrad-Csanad, Hajdu-Bihar, Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, and Pest counties July 23, as well as yellow thunderstorm warnings across the country with the exception of Gyor-Moson-Sopron, Somogy, and Veszprem counties. Further yellow thunderstorm warnings have been issued across the country July 24 and across the eastern half of Hungary July 25. 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.