Austria: Further adverse weather likely as of Sept. 15; flooding in various locations /update 1

Various red, orange, and yellow rain warnings remain active across Austria through at least Sept. 17. As of Sept. 15, flooding has been widely reported. The state of Lower Austria has been declared a disaster area and additional emergency personnel have been deployed to assist rescue and relief efforts. Approximately 100 roads in the state are closed. Rail service is also disrupted. In Vienna, there are widespread disruptions to public transport, including rail service. Some subway operations are not expected to resume normal service until at least Sept. 18. Elsewhere, widespread power outages have been reported in Styria.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also likely in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides have been reported and additional incidents are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities have evacuated some residents, including in Vienna, and could issue additional evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds could impact utility networks, causing further disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services.

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. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles.

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

Localized business disruptions are likely in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.