Europe: Adverse weather forecast across the region through at least Jan. 15

Severe weather is forecast across parts of southern Europe through at least Jan. 15. A storm system will probably bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and snowfall in mountainous areas across parts of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Slovenia over the coming days. Winds are likely to be the hazard of greatest concern during the passing of the storm, with gusts of more than 100 kph (62 mph) possible.

The respective meteorological services issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Red strong wind warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Most coastal waters and Rijeka Region in Croatia and southern Montenegro Jan. 13 and northern coastal waters in Croatia and southern Montenegro Jan. 14.

• Orange heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, and Sicily regions in Italy, Central Macedonia, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Ionian Islands, western Peloponnese, and Western Macedonia regions in Greece Jan. 13-14; and Calabria and Sicily regions in Italy Jan. 15.

• Orange heavy snowfall warnings: Central Macedonia, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Epirus, Thessaly, and Western Macedonia regions in Greece, Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, and Molise regions in Italy, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and far southern Serbia Jan. 13; Central Macedonia, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Epirus, Thessaly, and Western Macedonia regions in Greece, Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, and Molise regions in Italy, and far southern Serbia Jan. 14; and Calabria Region in Italy Jan. 15.

• Orange strong wind warnings: far southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dubrovnik, Knin, and Split regions and southern coastal waters in Croatia, northern and eastern Greece, central, eastern, and southern Italy, the rest of Montenegro, and western and southwestern Slovenia Jan. 13; Rijeka Region and the rest of coastal waters in Croatia, northern and eastern Greece, central, eastern, and southern Italy, the rest of Montegro, and western and southwestern Slovenia Jan. 14; and northern coastal waters in Croatia and the western half of Italy Jan. 15.

• Yellow warnings: most of the rest of the affected area through Jan. 15.

Officials will likely update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts 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 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.

Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant winds, 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. Heavy snow may make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

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