Slovenia: Adverse weather forecast across the country through at least Oct. 4

Severe weather is forecast across Slovenia through at least Oct. 4. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected across much of the country Oct. 2 and will linger in some areas over the coming days. Storms may be accompanied by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and lightning. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.

The Slovenia Environment Agency has issued the following weather warnings across the country Oct. 2:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Central, northwestern, southeastern, and southwestern regions.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Northeastern regions.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Central, northwestern, southeastern, and southwestern regions.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Northeaster, northwestern, southeastern, and southwestern regions.

Further yellow heavy rainfall warnings are in place for central, northeastern, southeastern, and southwestern regions Oct. 3-4, as well as yellow strong wind warnings for southwestern regions. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as conditions change 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 located 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. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

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.

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