Southern Europe: Adverse weather forecast across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Kosovo, and Serbia through at least Aug. 21

Severe weather is forecast across much of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Kosovo, and Serbia through at least Aug. 21. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are likely across the region. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages. The severe weather is forecast to persist over Italy through Aug. 19, across Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia through Aug. 20, and across Kosovo and Serbia through Aug. 21.

As of early Aug. 19, the respective meteorological services in the region have issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Banja Luka, Bihac. and Prijedor regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina Aug. 19; Gospic, Karlovac, Knin, and Zagreb regions in Croatia Aug. 19; and Emilia-Romagna and Veneto regions in Italy Aug. 19; Kosovo Aug. 19-20; as well as southwestern Serbia Aug. 19; southwestern, southern, and central Serbia Aug. 20; and northern Serbia Aug. 21.
• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Banja Luka, Prijedor, Trebinje, and Visegrad regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina Aug. 19; Dubrovnik, Knin, Osijek, and Split regions in Croatia Aug. 19; and Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Marche, and Veneto regions in Italy Aug. 19
• Yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: the rest of Croatia Aug. 19 and southern and central Croatia Aug. 20; the rest of Italy Aug. 19; Kosovo Aug. 20; and the rest of Serbia through Aug. 21

Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming hours and 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 rain has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Adverse weather conditions could also cause power outages throughout the affected area.

The severe weather could contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Strong winds might pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before floodwaters recede and/or emergency crews clear debris. Repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions if there is severe damage to infrastructure.