Russia: Adverse weather forecast across much of the Central and Northwestern federal districts through at least July 7

Severe weather is forecast across much of the Central and Northwestern federal districts through at least July 7. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are likely across the region; 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 5, 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): Arkhangelsk Oblast, Republic of Karelia, and Komi Republic.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Vladimir Oblast, Ivanovo Oblast, Kaluga Oblast, Kostroma Oblast, Moscow City, Moscow Oblast, Ryazan Oblast, Smolensk Oblast, Tver Oblast, Tula Oblast, and Yaroslavl Oblast.

• Orange other hazard warnings: Novgorod Oblast and Republic of Karelia.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Vladimir Oblast, Ivanovo Oblast, Kaluga Oblast, Kostroma Oblast, Moscow City, Moscow Oblast, Ryazan Oblast, Smolensk Oblast, Tver Oblast, Tula Oblast, Yaroslavl Oblast, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Republic of Karelia, and Komi Republic.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Bryansk Oblast, Oryol Oblast, Vologda Oblast, Leningrad Oblast, and Murmansk Oblast.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Belgorod Oblast, Bryansk Oblast, Voronezh Oblast, Kursk Oblast, Lipetsk Oblast, Oryol Oblast, Tambov Oblast, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Vologda Oblast, Leningrad Oblast, Murmansk Oblast, Pskov Oblast, Republic of Karelia, and Komi Republic.

• Yellow hail warnings: Bryansk Oblast, Voronezh Oblast, Lipetsk Oblast, Oryol Oblast, and Tambov Oblast.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Bryansk Oblast, Voronezh Oblast, Kursk Oblast, Lipetsk Oblast, Oryol Oblast, Tambov Oblast, Vologda Oblast, Leningrad Oblast, Murmansk Oblast, Nenets Autonomous Okrug, and Pskov Oblast.

• Yellow fog warnings: Bryansk Oblast and Nenets Autonomous Okrug

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.