Germany: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Jan. 25

Severe weather is forecast across much of Germany through at least Jan. 25. A storm system is forecast to move southeastward across the country Jan. 22; strong winds are expected across much of the country with the strongest gusts likely over central mountain ranges and northern coastal areas. Heavy rainfall is expected in southwestern regions, freezing rain in southeastern regions, and fresh snowfall in Alpine regions Jan. 22 and thunderstorms are likely to develop over northwestern regions late Jan. 22. Further showers are forecast in western regions Jan. 23 and these will spread eastward overnight Jan. 23-24. Stormy conditions are expected across the northern half of the country Jan. 24, before conditions generally improve across much of the country Jan. 25, apart from some lingering showers in eastern and southern regions. Persistent heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages. Hazardous travel conditions are possible in mountainous areas due to reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.

As of Jan. 22, the German Weather Service (DWD) has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Purple strong wind warnings (the highest level on a four-tier scale): Parts of the Harz mountain range in western Saxony-Anhalt State.

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of southwestern and western Baden-Wurrtemberg State.

• Orange freezing rain warnings: Parts of eastern Bavaria and southern Saxony states.

• Orange thaw warnings: Parts of northwestern Hesse, southeastern Lower Saxony, southern North Rhine-Westphalia, northern Rhineland-Palatinate, western Saxony-Anhalt, southern Saxony, and central, northern, and southern Thuringia states.

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

• Yellow snowfall warnings: Parts of eastern and southern Bavaria State.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across much of the rest of Germany not under purple or orange strong wind warnings.

• Yellow frost warnings: Parts of eastern and southern Bavaria State.

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

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 located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant winds, flooding, 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. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.