Southeastern Europe: Adverse weather forecast across parts of southeastern Europe through at least June 24 /update 1

Event

Severe weather is forecast across parts of southeastern Europe through at least June 24. The affected area includes parts of central and southern Austria, eastern Croatia, central and western Hungary, Kosovo, Serbia, and Slovenia. Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected in many parts of the affected region and the high temperatures that have affected much of the continent in recent days will linger in some areas.

As of June 22, the respective meteorological agencies have issued the following weather warnings:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Baranya, Somogy, Tolna, Vas, Veszprem, and Zala counties in Hungary; Kosovo; and Backa, Banat, and Srem regions in Serbia.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Across much of southern Austria; Zagreb Region in Croatia; Baranya, Somogy, Vas, and Zala counties in Hungary; Kosovo; Southeast Serbia and Southwest Serbia regions in Serbia; and northeastern Slovenia.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Bacs-Kiskun, Fejer, and Gyor-Moson-Sopron counties in Hungary; and Southeast Serbia and Southwest Serbia regions in Serbia.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across much of eastern and central Austria; Karlovac and Osijek regions in Croatia; Bacs-Kiskun, Csongrad-Csanad, Fejer, Gyor-Moson-Sopron, Komarom-Esztergom, Pest, Tolna, and Veszprem counties in Hungary; Backa, Banat, Belgrade, Eastern Serbia, Pomoravlje, Srem, Sumadija, and Western Serbia regions in Serbia; and central, northwestern, and southeastern Slovenia.

• Yellow heat warnings: Parts of southern Austria; and southwestern Slovenia.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

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.

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.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in areas where thunderstorms are forecast. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Austria Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG)
Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ)
Hungarian Meteorological Service
Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia (RHMS)
Slovenia Environment Agency (ARSO)