Heavy Rain in Georgia from 20 to 22 October: Flood Risk on the Aragvi, Alazani, Iori and Enguri

The National Environment Agency of Georgia expects intermittent rain, heavy in places, from the night of 20 October in the east of the country and from 21 October in the west. The rain should last until the second half of the day on 22 October. Interpressnews published the warning on 19 October.

The agency rates the hazard level as medium. Thunderstorms and stronger wind are also possible.

Where the rain will be heaviest

• northern mountain areas
• Shida Kartli
• Kvemo Kartli
• Kakheti

Heavy rain may sharply raise water levels and cause floods on the Enguri, Aragvi, Alazani and Iori rivers and their tributaries. In hilly and mountain areas the agency warns of landslides and mudflows, and some streets in cities may flood.

The agency issued a similar warning a few weeks ago, when it expected heavy rain, hail and a sea storm from 1 to 3 October.

What to do

Landslides and mudflows can block mountain roads. Before a trip to Kazbegi or Svaneti, check that the road is open. The road over the Jvari Pass in Georgia also closes in bad weather.

Do not park near riverbanks or in low spots, and do not walk through flooded streets. If water gets into your home or a road is washed out, call the emergency number 112.

In western Georgia, around Batumi, rain falls often in autumn, and the climate in Georgia differs a lot between the coast, Tbilisi and the mountains. The warning covers the period until the afternoon of 22 October, and the agency may update the forecast.