05 Jul 2023 | 07:59 AM UTC
Germany: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country July 5
Severe weather forecast across much of Germany July 5. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across much of Germany July 5. A storm name Poly will move in from the North Sea and the Netherlands during the morning and will bring strong winds particularly to northwestern and northern regions throughout the day. The storm is expected to peak in the afternoon, with winds gusting up to 130 kph (81 mph) in areas along the North Sea coast. Less intense winds are expected across much of the rest of the country and isolated thunderstorms are also possible in parts of the south and east. Strong winds could cause property damage and power outages. Transport disruptions are likely in the worst-affected areas; ferry operators have canceled a number of services connecting the Frisian Islands in northwestern Germany.
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued the following weather warnings across the country July 5:
Red strong wind warnings (the second highest level on a four-tier scale): Much of Schleswig-Holstein, northern Lower Saxony, and Bremen states.
Orange thunderstorm warnings: Parts of western Baden-Wurrtemberg and eastern Saxony states.
Orange strong warnings: Across the rest of northern and northwestern Germany not under red warnings and isolated parts of central, eastern, and southwestern Germany.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Parts of central and eastern Baden-Wurttemberg, western Bavaria, and eastern Brandenburg states.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Across much of central, eastern, northeastern, and western Germany.
Officials could update and extend the coverage of the weather alerts over the coming hours.
Hazardous Conditions
The strong winds could lead to downed power lines and consequent power outages, as well as damage from flying debris. Strong wind gusts could lead to rough sea conditions in coastal areas and difficult overland travel conditions.
Transport
The severe weather will likely cause ground transport disruptions in the worst affected regions. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are likely on secondary and rural roadways in affected areas as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become hazardous. Gusty winds may topple high-profile vehicles in some affected areas. Hazardous weather conditions might also cause flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region over the coming hours and days. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Out of an abundance of caution, confirm all transport reservations before travel in the affected area. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
