21 Jun 2023 | 03:26 PM UTC
Germany: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least June 23 /update 1
Severe weather forecast across much of Germany through at least June 23. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across much of Germany through at least June 23. Scattered showers and storms are expected across southern regions late June 21-early June 22 before a more severe band of thunderstorms is expected to spread northwards across much of the country June 22-23. Heavy downpours, strong winds, gusts, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. Isolated tornadoes can also not be ruled out. Rainfall totals of 4 cm (1.6 inches) per hour are possible during storms, as well as winds gusting up to 100 kph (62 mph) and large hail. The heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued an advance warning of severe thunderstorms across most of the country, with the exception of parts of northern Germany June 22-early June 23. DWD has also issued the following short-term thunderstorm warnings across the country on June 21:
Red thunderstorm warnings (the second highest level on a four-tier scale): Parts of far southern Bavaria State.
Orange thunderstorm warnings: Parts of far southern Bavaria, far western Hesse, eastern and southern North Rhine-Westphalia, and northern Rhineland-Palatinate states.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Parts of southwestern Saxony and far eastern Thuringia states.
Officials could update and extend the coverage of the 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. 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.
