Russia: Adverse weather forecast across central and eastern regions through at least July 20

Severe weather is forecast across parts of central and eastern Russia through at least July 20. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are likely across parts of the Far East, Siberia, and Ural federal districts; strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours may lead to flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.

As of July 17, the Russian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring has issued the following warnings across the affected area:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Southern Krasnoyarsk Kray, Novosibirsk Oblast, Republic of Khakassia, Tuva Republic, Amur Oblast, and Zabaykalsky Kray.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Chelyabinsk Oblast and Zabaykalsky Kray.

• Orange hail warnings: Southern Krasnoyarsk Kray, Republic of Khakassia, and Tuva Republic.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Southern Krasnoyarsk Kray, Republic of Khakassia, and Tuva Republic.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Altai Kray, Irkutsk Oblast, Kemerovo Oblast, Omsk Oblast, Tyumen Oblast, Jewish Autonomous Oblast, Primorsky Kray, and southern Khabarovsk Kray.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Altai Kray, Altai Republic, east-central and southern Krasnoyarsk Kray, Irkutsk Oblast, Kemerovo Oblast, Novosibirsk Oblast, Omsk Oblast, Republic of Khakassia, Tomsk Oblast, Tuva Republic, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Kurgan Oblast, southern Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Tyumen Oblast, central, eastern, southern, and western Sakha Republic, Amur Oblast, and Republic of Buryatia.

• Yellow hail warnings: Novosibirsk Oblast and Zabaykalsky Kray.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Northern Krasnoyarsk Kray, Novosibirsk Oblast, Omsk Oblast, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Tyumen Oblast, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, inland areas of Magadan Oblast, Amur Oblast, and Zabaykalsky Kray.

• Yellow fog warnings: East-central and northern Krasnoyarsk Kray, northern Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Primorsky Kray, Republic of Buryatia, and Zabaykalsky Kray.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather 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 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. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

The severe weather could contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected areas.