19 Aug 2022 | 09:34 AM UTC
Germany: Adverse weather forecast across southern and southeastern regions through at least Aug. 20
Heavy rainfall forecast across parts of southern and southeastern Germany through at least Aug. 20. Flooding and disruptions possible.
Event
Heavy rainfall is forecast across parts of southern and southeastern Germany through at least Aug. 20. The affected area includes parts of southeastern and eastern Baden-Wurttemberg and central, eastern, and southern Bavaria states. The heaviest rain is expected along the edge of the Alps in southern Bavaria, with rainfall totals of 8-14 cm (3-5.5 inches) possible in the region. Rainfall amounts of 2-5 cm (0.8-2 inches) are expected across the rest of the affected area, with isolated amounts of 5-8 cm (2-3 inches).
As of Aug. 19, the German Weather Service (DWD) has issued the following warnings across the affected area:
Purple heavy rainfall warnings (the highest level on a four-tier scale): Parts of far southern and southwestern Bavaria State.
Red heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of far southeastern Baden-Wurttemberg and southern, southwestern, central, and eastern Bavaria states.
Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of eastern and southeastern Baden-Wurttemberg and western, central, and northeastern Bavaria states.
Advance warning of heavy rainfall: Parts of southeastern Bavaria State.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming hours and 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
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, including Munich Airport (MUC), Nuremberg Airport (NUE), Memmingen Airport (FMM), and Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH). 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 updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
