Russia: Adverse weather forecast across central and southern regions through at least July 12

Severe weather is forecast across parts of central and southern Russia through at least July 12. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are likely across the affected areas; 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 9, 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): Orenburg Oblast, Republic of Bashkortostan, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Altai Kray, Altai Republic, south-central and southern Krasnoyarsk Kray, Kemerovo Oblast, and Republic of Khakassia.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Chelyabinsk Oblast.

• Orange hail warnings: Orenburg Oblast, Republic of Bashkortostan, Chelyabinsk Oblast, south-central and southern Krasnoyarsk Kray, and Republic of Khakassia.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Orenburg Oblast, Republic of Bashkortostan, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Altai Republic, south-central and southern Krasnoyarsk Kray, and Republic of Khakassia.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Irkutsk Oblast and Tomsk Oblast.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Orenburg Oblast, Perm Kray, Republic of Bashkortostan, Republic of Tatarstan, Samara Oblast, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Altai Kray, central and southern Krasnoyarsk Kray, Irkutsk Oblast, Kemerovo Oblast, Republic of Khakassia, Tomsk Oblast, Tuva Republic, Republic of Buryatia, and Zabaykalsky Kray.

• Yellow hail warnings: Republic of Tatarstan, Altai Kray, and Altai Republic.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Republic of Tatarstan, Samara Oblast, Altai Kray, Altai Republic, Kemerovo Oblast, and Tuva Republic.

• Yellow fog warnings: Chelyabinsk Oblast, northern Krasnoyarsk Kray, 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.