22 May 2023 | 12:26 PM UTC
Germany: Adverse weather forecast across the country May 22
Severe weather forecast across Germany May 22. Weather-related disruptions ongoing in Baden-Wurttemberg State.
Event
Thunderstorms are forecast to break across parts of Germany May 22. Severe storms are possible across the western half of the country, with the most intense storms expected in southwestern regions. Storms may be accompanied by heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, lightning, and hailstorms. Further isolated storms are also possible across the eastern half of Germany. Weather conditions are expected to improve across much of the country from May 23
As of May 22, the German Weather Service (DWD) has issued red thunderstorm warnings (the second highest level on a four-tier scale) for parts of southern Baden-Wurttemberg, northwestern and western Hesse, southeastern Lower Saxony, southeastern North Rhine-Westphalia, central and western Rhineland-Palatinate, and northern Saarland states. Orange thunderstorm warnings have been issued for parts of central, eastern, and southern Baden-Wurttemberg, northwestern and western Hesse, eastern and southeastern North Rhine-Westphalia, central and northwestern Rhineland-Palatinate, and northern Saarland states. These short-term storm warnings are likely to be regularly revised and updated dependent on the development of storms across the affected areas.
Disruptions are ongoing across parts of Baden-Wurttemberg following severe storms and showers May 21. Affected areas include the districts of Emmendingen, Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, and Tuttlingen. Several roads have been closed and damage to homes, vehicles, and crops has been reported after heavy downpours triggered flooding and landslides in the region.
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. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancelations 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.
