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25 Sep 2024 | 08:52 AM UTC

Germany: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Sept. 28

Severe weather forecast across much of Germany through at least Sept. 28. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.

Informational

Severe weather is forecast across much of Germany through at least Sept. 28. Isolated thunderstorms and strong winds are expected across much of the country Sept. 25-27, with particularly strong wind gusts likely in mountainous areas. Heavy rainfall is expected to spread from southwestern and western regions across much of the country from late Sept. 25 through early Sept. 27. Rainfall is expected to be heaviest in southwestern and western regions Sept. 25-26 and northern regions Sept. 27. Conditions will generally begin to improve from Sept. 28; however, isolated showers are possible in many areas. Persistent heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of Sept. 25, 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 southern, southwestern, and western Baden-Wurttemberg State.

  • Red strong wind warnings: The Haarz Mountains in western Saxony-Anhalt State.

  • Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Across much of Saarland and parts of central, eastern, northern, and western Baden-Wurttemberg, northern and western Bavaria, eastern, southern, and western Hesse, central and southeastern North Rhine-Westphalia, far northern and southern Rhineland-Palatinate, and southwestern Thuringia states.

  • Orange strong wind warnings: Parts of southwestern and western Baden-Wurttemberg, far northern and southern Bavaria, far eastern Hesse, western Schleswig-Holstein, and southwestern Thuringia states.

  • Yellow strong wind warnings: Parts of central, southwestern, and western Baden-Wurttemberg, northern Lower Saxony, and eastern Schleswig-Holstein states.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts as weather conditions change 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 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. Where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks, disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible.

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. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected areas. 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.

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.