Europe: Adverse weather forecast across Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Norway, and Sweden through at least Aug. 10

Event

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Norway, and Sweden through at least Aug. 10. Strong winds, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of early Aug. 7, the meteorological agencies for the respective countries have issued the following warnings across the affected region:

• Red heavy rainfall warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Parts of northern Oslo, More og Romsdal, southern Trondelag, and eastern Vestland counties in southern Norway through Aug. 8; daily rainfall totals of 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) are possible.

• Red thunderstorm warnings: across Hiiu, Laane, Parnu, Rapia, Saare, Valga, Viljandi, and Voru counties in Estonia Aug. 7.

• Red flood warnings: across Jonkoping, Orebro, Varmland, and Vastra Gotaland counties in Sweden through Aug. 10.

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: across Bornholm Island in Denmark Aug. 7, across Hiiu, Laane, Parnu, Rapia, Saare, Valga, Viljandi, and Voru counties in Estonia Aug. 7, and across Latvia and the rest of southern Norway through Aug. 8.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: across Bornholm Island in Denmark Aug. 7 and most of Finland Aug. 8-9.

• Orange strong wind warnings: across Hiiu, Laane, Parnu, Rapia, Saare, Valga, Viljandi, and Voru counties in Estonia Aug. 7 and across southwestern Finland Aug. 8-9.

• Yellow heavy rainfall, thunderstorm, strong wind, and flood warnings: most of the rest of the affected area through Aug. 10.

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 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 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. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. 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.

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

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
Danish Meteorological Institute
Estonian Meteorological and Hydrological Institute
Finnish Meteorological Institute
Latvian Environment, Geology, and Meteorology Agency
Norwegian Meteorological Institute
Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute