08 Jun 2023 | 02:56 PM UTC
Germany: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least June 9
Severe weather forecast across much of Germany through at least June 9. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across much of Germany through at least June 9. Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected late June 8, with the more concentrated storms likely in central and southern regions. The unstable conditions are expected to continue overnight and will linger in some central, southeastern, and southwestern regions on June 9. Storms may be accompanied by strong winds gusts, lightning, and possible hail. Rainfall totals of 2-5 cm (0.8-2 inches) in the space of a few hours are possible during storms. The heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.
As of June 8, the German Weather Service (DWD) has issued the following weather warnings across Germany:
Purple thunderstorm warnings (the highest level on a four-tier scale): Parts of central Hesse state.
Red thunderstorm warnings: Parts of northern Baden-Wurttemberg, central and northern Bavaria, central and southeastern Hesse, and central North Rhine-Westphalia states.
Orange thunderstorm warnings: Parts of northern Baden-Wurttemberg, central, northern, and southern Bavaria, central and southern Brandenburg, central and southern Hesse, central and eastern Lower Saxony, central and southern North Rhine-Westphalia, eastern and western Rhineland-Palatinate, northeastern Saarland, northern and eastern Saxony-Anhalt, central, northern, and western Saxony, and far southeastern 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.
