Hungary, Slovakia: Adverse weather forecast across most of both countries through at least July 17

Thunderstorms are forecast across most of Hungary and Slovakia through at least July 17. Heavy rainfall, 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 respective meteorological services have issued the following weather warnings across Hungary and Slovakia July 16:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen, Heves, Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, and Nograd counties in Hungary and central and eastern Banska Bystrica, central and western Kosice, central and western Presov, and central and eastern Zilina regions in Slovakia.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across the rest of Hungary not under orange warnings and most of the rest of Slovakia not under orange warnings, with the exception of western regions.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Bacs-Kiskun, Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen, Heves, Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Nograd, and Pest counties in Hungary.

Further yellow warnings are in place across parts of both countries July 17. 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.