Vietnam: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Oct. 24

Severe weather is forecast across much of Vietnam through at least Oct. 24. As of Oct. 14, the Vietnam National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall, tornadoes, lightning, and strong winds across parts of northern, central, and southern Vietnam. Showers and thunderstorms with isolated heavy downpours are forecast over parts of northern Vietnam through early Oct. 15 and parts of central and southern Vietnam through early Oct. 16. Daily rainfall totals of 1-4 cm (0.4-1.6 inches) are forecast across the affected area, with isolated higher amounts up to 10 cm (4 inches). The NCHMF has issued a level 1 warning of natural disaster risk due to tornadoes and lightning across the affected areas. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days. Further scattered showers and storms with localized heavy rainfall in places are forecast across much of Vietnam Oct. 16-24.

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 or a lack of 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. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, 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 airports in the affected regions. 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 and some employees' inability to reach work sites.