14 Oct 2022 | 08:23 AM UTC
Germany: Adverse weather forecast across southern regions through at least Oct. 15
Severe weather forecast across parts of southern Germany through at least Oct. 15. Flooding and associated disruptions possible.
Event
Heavy rainfall and strong winds are forecast across parts of southern Germany through at least Oct. 15. Continuous heavy rainfall is expected in parts of the southwest in the afternoon Oct. 14 before spreading across much of southern Germany late Oct. 14-early Oct. 15. Rainfall amounts of 3-5 cm (1.2-2 inches) are possible across parts of the affected area, including the Black Forest. Strong winds are also forecast in parts of southern Germany, especially in mountainous areas.
As of Oct. 14, the German Weather Service (DWD) has issued the following warnings across the affected area:
Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale): Parts of southwestern and western Baden-Wurttemberg State.
Orange strong wind warnings: Parts of southwestern and western Baden-Wurttemberg and southern Bavaria states.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Parts of central, southern, southwestern, and western Baden-Wurttemberg 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 wind damage impacts 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 International Airport (MUC), Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB), Memmingen Airport (MMR), Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH), Stuttgart Airport (STR), and Augsburg Airport (AGB). 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.
