Russia: Adverse weather forecast across central and southeastern regions through at least Aug. 8

Severe weather is forecast across parts of central and southeastern Russia through at least Aug. 8. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are likely across Siberia and parts of Far East 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 Aug. 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): Central and southern Krasnoyarsk Kray, Republic of Khakassia, Amur Oblast, and Zabaykalsky Kray.

• Orange rain-flood warnings: Primorsky Kray and Zabaykalsky Kray.

• Orange other hazard warnings: Primorsky Kray.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Republic of Khakassia and Zabaykalsky Kray.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Irkutsk Oblast, Kemerovo Oblast, Novosibirsk Oblast, Tuva Republic, Jewish Autonomous Oblast, Khabarovsk Kray, and southern Sakha Republic.

• Yellow rain-flood warnings: Southern Khabarovsk Kray.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Altai Kray, Altai Republic, central, southern, and western Krasnoyarsk Kray, Irkutsk Oblast, Kemerovo Oblast, Novosibirsk Oblast, Omsk Oblast, Republic of Khakassia, Tomsk Oblast, Tuva Republic, Amur Oblast, Republic of Buryatia, and Zabaykalsky Kray.

• Yellow hail warnings: Central and southern Krasnoyarsk Kray and Republic of Khakassia.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Central, north-central, and southern Krasnoyarsk Kray, Irkutsk Oblast, Tuva Republic, and Amur Oblast.

• Yellow fog warnings: Altai Kray, northern Krasnoyarsk Kray, Irkutsk Oblast, Kemerovo Oblast, Novosibirsk Oblast, Omsk Oblast, 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.