Germany: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Nov. 21

Severe weather is forecast across much of Germany through at least Nov. 21. Heavy rainfall is expected in central, southwestern, and western regions and a line of thunderstorms will stretch southeastward from North Rhine-Westphalia Nov. 18. Gusty winds are expected across much of the country, with the strongest winds likely in northeastern regions. Snowfall is possible in elevated areas of the country and ice and frost are possible in places. Further periods of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and mountain snowfall are expected across parts of the country Nov. 19-21. Sustained heavy rainfall 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 slippery roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.

As of Nov. 18, the German Weather Service (DWD) has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale): Across Saarland and parts of southwestern and western Baden-Wurttemberg, northern Bavaria, far eastern and northwestern Hesse, far southeastern Lower Saxony, eastern and southern North Rhine-Westphalia, southern and western Rhineland-Palatinate, far western Saxony-Anhalt, and central, southern, and western Thuringia states.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Parts of central, southern, and western Germany.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across much of northeastern and parts of central, eastern, southern, and northwestern Germany.

• Yellow ice warnings: Parts of southern Saxony and central and southern Thuringia states.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories 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 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, and decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides are possible in areas of elevated terrain, and avalanches are possible 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 could 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 with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.