Germany, Switzerland: Adverse weather forecast across parts of southern Germany and far northern Switzerland June 26

Severe weather is ongoing across parts of southern Germany and far northern Switzerland early June 26. Severe thunderstorms are impacting the region and may be accompanied by heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, and possible hail. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.

The German Weather Service (DWD) has purple, red, and orange thunderstorm warnings (the highest, second highest, and second lowest levels on a four-tier scale) across parts of southern Baden-Wurttemberg State and MeteoSwiss has issued orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across much of Schaffhausen Canton. 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.