Southern Europe: Adverse weather forecast across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro through at least April 1 /update 1

Event

Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are forecast across much of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro through at least April 1. The Federal Hydrometeorological Institute of Bosnia and Herzegovina has issued a Red Warning for heavy rainfall in Herzegovina, Krajina, and southwestern Bosnia through late March 31. The heaviest rainfall is likely in the north of Herzegovina and will affect parts of Sarajevo Canton, including Tnrovo and Hadzici municipalities, and further west towards Fojnica. The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) has issued widespread weather warnings across most of the country March 31, with less severe warnings in place for coastal regions April 1. Montenegro's Department of Hydrometeorology and Seismology has similarly issued severe weather warnings across the country March 31 and less severe warnings April 1.

As of March 31, authorities have issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Red heavy rainfall warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Livno, Mostar, Sarajevo, and Trebinje regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Central and Adriatic coast regions in Montenegro.

• Red strong wind warnings: Foca and Trebinje regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Continental and Mountains Region in Montenegro.

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Bihac, Foca, and Livno regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Dubrovnik, Gospic, Knin, Rijeka, and Split regions in Croatia; Continental and Mountains Region in Montenegro.

• Orange strong winds warnings: Livno, Foca, Mostar, Sarajevo, Trebinje, Tuzla, and Visegrad regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Middle and South Dalmatia regions in Croatia; Central and Adriatic coast regions in Montenegro.

• Orange rough seas warning: Adriatic coast Region in Montenegro.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Banja Luka and Tuzla regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Karlovac and Zagreb regions in Croatia.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Dubrovnik, Knin, Rijeka, and Split regions in Croatia; Central and Adriatic coast regions in Montenegro.

• Yellow strong winds warnings: Baja Luka Region in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Dubrovnik, Knin, Kvarner and Kvarneric, North Dalmatia, Split, and Velebit Channel 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)