Russia: Adverse weather forecast across numerous regions as of May 6

Severe weather is forecast across multiple regions of Russia in the coming days as of May 6. The Hydrometcenter of Russia reports that strong winds, heavy rain, and heightened avalanche and forest fire risks are possible in multiple areas in the Central, Southern, Northwestern, North Caucasus, Volga, Ural, Siberian, and Far Eastern districts of the country. The following orange (third on a four-tier alerting system) alerts are in effect:

• Adygea Republic: Elevated forest fire risk through 18:00 May 7. Elevated avalanche risk through 23:59 May 8.

• Astrakhan Oblast: Elevated forest fire risk through 19:00 May 7.

• Republic of Bashkortostan: Strong wind with gusts of 47-58 mph (76-94 kph) through 20:00 May 6.

• Belgorod Oblast: Elevated forest fire risk through 09:00 May 7.

• Dagestan: Elevated forest fire risk until 18:00 May 7.

• Irkutsk Oblast: Strong wind with gusts of 45-56 mph (72-90 kph) in the western, northwestern, and central regions on May 6 and in the southern regions until 05:00 May 7. Elevated forest fire risk until 11:00 May 8.

• Kabardino-Balkar Republic: Elevated avalanche risk until 11:00 May 8 in locations with elevations over 2,500 meters (8,202 feet).

• Kalmyk Republic: Elevated forest fire risk in Iki-Burulsky, Maloderbetovsky, Tsentralny, Yashkulsky, and Yustinsky districts, as well as Elista.

• Krasnodar Krai: Elevated forest fire risk through 23:59 May 6. Elevated avalanche risk through 11:00 May 8.

• Novgorod Oblast: Heavy rain and flooding warning through 11:00 May 8. Risks are particularly high near Lake Ilmen (Korestyn), the Volkhov River (Veliky Novgorod and Krasnofarforny), and the Lovat River (Vzvad).

• Omsk Oblast: Flooding warning on the Irtysh River, particularly near Ust-Ishim and Orekhovo areas.

• Primorsky Krai: Heavy rain in the southeast and east through 06:00 May 7.

• Rostov Oblast: Elevated forest fire risk through 23:59 May 7.

• Stavropol Krai: "Extreme fire danger" in northwestern regions until 18:00 May 7.

• Tomsk Oblast: Heavy rain and flooding warnings through May 13, particularly near Cheryomushki, Gorelovka, Kirpichnoye, Molchanovo, Nikolskoye, Parbig, Podgornoye, Teguldet, and Ust-Bakchar.

• Tver Oblast: Heavy rain and flooding warning through 21:00 May 6, particularly near Ostashkov.

• Tyumen Region: Flood warning on the Ishim River near Ilyinka, Abatskoe, Vikulovo, and other settlements until 08:00 May 8.

• Volgograd Oblast: Elevated forest fire risk through 11:00 May 8.

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.

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, landslides, or wind gusts impact utility networks.

Floodwaters, debris flows, avalanches, or fallen trees from heavy winds 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. Flooding, avalanches, and fallen trees from heavy winds could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see severe weather.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas and areas hit by particularly intense wind gusts; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, some employees' inability to reach work sites, or utility outages.