22 Dec 2022 | 10:05 AM UTC
Germany: Adverse weather forecast across southern and south-central regions through at least Dec. 24
Severe weather forecast across much of the southern half of Germany through at least Dec. 24. Flooding and disruptions possible.
Event
A low pressure system is forecast to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds across much of the southern half of Germany through at least Dec. 24. Rainfall totals of 4-9 cm (1.5-3.5 inches), with localized heavier downpours, are possible across parts of the affected area, as well as winds gusting up to 110 kph (68 mph) in mountainous areas. The heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds will also likely contribute to transport disruptions and possible power outages across the region.
As of early Dec. 22, the German Weather Service (DWD) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:
Red continuous rainfall warnings (the third highest level on a four-tier scale): Parts of southwestern and western Baden-Wurttemberg State.
Orange continuous rainfall warnings: Parts of northeastern and southwestern Baden-Wurttemberg; northern, southeastern, and western Bavaria; eastern and southern Hesse, southern and southwestern North-Rhine Westphalia; northern and southwestern Rhineland-Palatinate, and eastern and northern Saarland states.
Orange wind/storm warnings: Parts of central and southern Baden-Wurttemberg; eastern and southwestern Bavaria; far eastern Hesse; southern Rhineland-Palatinate, and across Saarland states.
Yellow wind/storm warnings: Parts of Baden-Wurttemberg; central, northern, and western Bavaria; eastern and southern Hesse; southern North-Rhine Westphalia; central, southeastern, and western Rhineland-Palatinate; southern Saxony, and southern Thuringia states.
Yellow black ice warnings: Parts of southern Saxony 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. 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.
