Germany: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Jan. 4

Severe weather is forecast across much of Germany through at least Jan. 4. Persistent heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages. Hazardous travel conditions are likely in mountainous areas due to reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.

As of early Jan. 2, the German Weather Service (DWD) has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Red heavy rainfall warnings (the second highest level on a four-tier scale): parts of southwestern Baden-Wurttemberg, northern and eastern Bavaria, southeastern North Rhine-Westphalia, Saarland, and southern Thuringia states.

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: most of the rest of western and southern Germany.

• Orange snowfall warnings: parts of far southeastern Bavaria State.

• Orange strong wind warnings: across parts of central, southwestern, and southern Germany.

• Yellow snowfall warnings: the rest of eastern Bavaria State.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: across much of the rest of central and southern Germany.

• Yellow frost warnings: parts of 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.