Germany: Adverse weather forecast across eastern regions through at least July 11

Thunderstorms are forecast to break out across parts of eastern Germany through at least July 11. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. Isolated tornadoes can also not be ruled out amid the severe storms. 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 late morning July 10, the German Weather Service (DWD) has issued red thunderstorm warnings (the second highest level on a four-tier scale) over parts of western Berlin, northern, southern, and west-central Brandenburg, and southern Mecklenburg-Vorpommern states. Orange thunderstorm warnings have been issued across the rest of Belrin and parts of central, northern, and southern Brandenburg, central, eastern, and southern Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and northern Saxony state. Yellow thunderstorm warnings have been issued for parts of northwestern Brandenburg, southwestern Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, far southern Saxony-Anhalt, southwestern Saxony, and eastern Thuringia states. Further storms are forecast through July 11 and officials will likely update existing advisories and issue new weather alerts over the coming hours and 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 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.

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.