Russia: Adverse weather forecast to continue across central and east-central regions through at least Aug. 21 /update 3

Severe weather is forecast to continue across parts of central and east-central Russia through at least Aug. 21. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are likely across the affected regions over the coming days; 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. 19, 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, Irkutsk Oblast, Novosibirsk Oblast, and Tuva Republic.

• Orange dust storm warnings: Tuva Republic.

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

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

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

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

• Yellow high river level warnings: Yakutsk City in central Sakha Republic.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Far northern Krasnoyarsk Kray, Irkutsk Oblast, Kemerovo Oblast, and northern Sakha Republic.

• Yellow fog warnings: Altai Kray, central, far northern, and southern Krasnoyarsk Kray, Kemerovo Oblast, Novosibirsk Oblast, Omsk Oblast, Republic of Khakassia, Tomsk Oblast, and Republic of Buryatia.

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.