Austria, Germany: Adverse weather forecast across parts of both countries Aug. 7

Event

Heavy rainfall and strong winds are forecast across parts of Austria and Germany Aug. 7. The strongest winds are likely across northern parts of Germany due to a storm system off the northern coast. Rainfall totals of 2.5-5 cm (1-2 inches) are expected in parts of northeastern and southeastern Germany and heavy rainfall has been ongoing since Aug. 4 in parts of central and far western Austria. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of early Aug. 7, the meteorological agencies for the respective countries have issued the following warnings across the affected region:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Across parts of southern and western Upper Austria, northern Salzburg, far northwestern Styria, and eastern and northern Voralberg provinces in Austria and parts of central, southwestern, and western Bavaria and western Mecklenburg-Vorpommern states in Germany.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Across northern and parts of southern and southwestern Germany.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Across parts of central and far western Austria.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across northeastern Austria and across much of the rest of Germany not under orange wind warnings.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming 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 heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

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 cancellations are possible 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 weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Austria Central Institution for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG)
Germany Weather Service (DWD)