Europe: Adverse winter weather forecast across parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia through at least Jan. 21 /update 2

Event

Heavy snowfall and strong winds are forecast across parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia through at least Jan. 21. The heaviest snowfall is expected over mountainous parts of the regions, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms possible in lower elevated areas. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages. Thunderstorms may be accompanied by lightning and hail. Hazardous travel conditions are likely due to icy roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.

The respective meteorological agencies have issued the following weather warnings across the affected region Jan. 20:

• Red strong wind warnings (the highest level in a three-tier scale): Some northern coastal areas of Croatia.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Rijeka Region and most coastal waters of Croatia.

• Yellow snow warnings: Banja Luka, Bihac, Foca, Livno, Sarajevo, Tuzla, and Visegrad municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Karlovac, Knin, and Rijeka regions in Croatia, and across Kosovo; and across Serbia with the exception of eastern regions.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Coastal and central regions in Montenegro.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Bihac and Livno municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Dubrovnik, Gospic, Knin, and Split regions in Croatia, and coastal regions in Montenegro.

The following warnings have been issued across the affected area for Jan. 21:

• Red strong wind warnings: Rijeka region and most northern coastal waters of Croatia.

• Orange snow warnings: Gospic Region in Croatia; across Kosovo, and southern and western regions of Serbia.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Dubrovnik and Split regions and all coastal waters of Croatia not under red warnings.

• Orange rough sea warnings: Coastal areas of Montenegro.

• Yellow snow warnings: Banja Luka, Bihac, Foca, Livno, Sarajevo, Tuzla, and Visegrad municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Karlovac, Knin, Osijek, Rijeka, and Split regions in Croatia; continental and mountainous regions of Montenegro, and across the rest of Serbia not under orange warnings.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Dubrovnik Region in Croatia.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Bihac and Livno municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and across Montenegro.

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

Hazardous Conditions
Where precipitation falls as rain, flash, and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water and in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Precipitation could fall as snow in 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. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Transport
Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely 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.

The disruptive weather will likely cause delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. 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 blockages.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in the affected area. 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, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Meteo Alarm
Bosnia and Herzegovina Federal Hydrometeorological Institute
Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ)
Montenegro Institue for Hydrometeorology and Seismology (ZHMS)
Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia