Germany, Switzerland: Adverse weather forecast across much of both countries through at least Nov. 15

Severe weather is forecast across much of Germany and across Switzerland through at least Nov. 15. The German Weather Service (DWD) has warned that a storm system moving from Ireland across the North Sea will bring unstable weather to large parts of the country. Strong winds are expected in many areas, as well as heavy rainfall in southern regions and thunderstorms in northwestern and western regions. Meteo Swiss has warned of continuous heavy rainfall over the northern slopes of the Alps, the western Alps, and southwestern regions over the coming days. Cumulative rainfall totals of 7-17 cm (2.8-6.7 inches) are expected in affected areas over the coming days. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.

As of Nov. 13, the respective meteorological agencies have issued the following weather warnings:

• Red continuous rainfall warnings (the second highest level on a four-tier scale): Parts of far southeastern, southwestern, and western Baden Wurttemberg and southwestern Bavaria states in Germany and parts of southern Fribourg, western Valais, and southeastern Vaud cantons in Switzerland.

• Red strong wind warnings: Parts of southwestern Baden Wurttemberg State in Germany.

• Orange continuous rainfall warnings: Parts of far southeastern Baden Wurttemberg and eastern and southern Bavaria states in Germany and across much of central and parts of southwestern and western Switzerland.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Across much of western and parts of central, northwestern, and southern Germany.

• Yellow continuous rainfall warnings: Parts of northern, north-central, south-central, and southwestern Switzerland.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across much of the rest of central, eastern, northwestern, southern, and western Germany not under red or orange warnings and across central, northern, and western Switzerland.

Officials could update and extend the coverage of the weather alerts over the coming hours.

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 or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites 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 rain has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.

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 affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with 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 and some employees' inability to reach work sites.