Germany, Czech Republic: Adverse winter weather forecast to continue across southern Germany and southwestern Czech Republic through at least Jan. 6 /update 1

Event

A storm system is forecast to continue bringing severe weather across southern Germany and southwestern Czech Republic through at least Jan. 6.

As of early Jan. 4, authorities have issued red (highest level on a four-tier scale) strong wind and heavy rainfall warnings over eastern Baden-Wurttemberg and far southwestern Bavaria states in Germany. Orange heavy rain warnings are in place across the rest of Baden-Wurttemberg, much of Bavaria, southern Hesse, most of Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, southern Saxony, and southern Thuringia states in Germany and Plzen and South Bohemian regions in the Czech Republic. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Transport
The severe weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions across portions of Germany over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Germany Deutscher Wetterdienst (German)
Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (Czech)