Southern Europe: Adverse weather forecast across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro through at least March 31

Event

Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are forecast across much of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro through at least March 31. The Federal Hydrometeorological Institute of Bosnia and Herzegovina has issued a Red Warning for intense precipitation in Herzegovina and southwest Bosnia from late March 30-late March 31. This level of warning indicates significant disruptions are likely, and people in the warning area are advised to only travel if necessary. The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service has issued weather warnings from March 30-31, with the more severe warnings in place for March 31. Montenegro's Department of Hydrometeorology and Seismology has similarly issued weather warnings across the country March 30-31, with the more severe warnings also on March 31.

As of March 30, authorities have issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Red warning (the highest level on a three-tier scale) for heavy rainfall: Mostar and Trebinje regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina; across Montenegro.

• Red strong wind warnings: Across Montenegro.

• Red thunderstorm warnings: Central and Adriatic Coast regions in Montenegro.

• Red coastal warning for rough seas: Adriatic Coast Region in Montenegro.

• Orange warning for heavy rainfall: Bihac, Foca, and Livno regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Dubrovnik, Gospic, Knin, Rijeka, and Split regions in Croatia.

• Orange warning for strong winds: Foca and Tebinje regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina; South Dalmatia Region in Croatia.

• Yellow warning for rainfall: Banja Luka, Sarajevo, and Tuzla regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Karlovac, Knin, Osijek, and Zagreb regions in Croatia.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Dubrovnik, Gospic, Knin, Rijeka, and Split regions in Croatia.

• Yellow warning for strong winds: Baja Luka, Bihac, Livno, Mostar, Sarajevo, Tuzla, and Visegrad regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Dubrovnik, Gospic, Karlovac, Knin, Kvarner i Kvarneric, Middle Dalamatia, North Dalmatia, Osijek, Rijeka, South Dalmatia, Split, Velebit Channel, and Zagreb regions in Croatia.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
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 rainfall has saturated the soil. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Transport
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 region. If strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Adriatic coast. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Bosnian Federal Hydrometeorological Service (Bosnian)
Republic Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Srpska (Serbian)
Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) (Croatian)
Montenegro Department of Hydrometeorology and Seismology (ZHMS) (Montenegrin)