04 May 2022 | 12:03 PM UTC
Germany: Adverse weather forecast across southern and central regions through at least May 6 /update 1
Thunderstorms forecast across parts of southern and central Germany through May 6. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall are forecast across much of central and southern Germany through at least May 6. Throughout May 4 thunderstorms are forecast to increase over southern Germany and into central regions of the country. Isolated storms will persist through late May 4, also spreading eastwards as far north as Berlin. However, the storms are expected to decrease in intensity and frequency overnight, before reviving in southeastern and eastern regions May 5. Rainfall is expected to persist in the southeast into May 6, before abating later in the day.
As of May 4, the German Weather Service (DWD) has issued orange thunderstorm warnings (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale) across parts of Baden-Wurttemberg, Bavaria, far southern Hesse, southern and eastern Rhineland-Palatinate, northeastern Saarland, far western Saxony, and southern Thuringia state. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash and areal flooding in parts of the affected area. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Strong winds associated with the storms could down power lines and cause power outages in the affected area.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region, including Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH), Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB), and Stuttgart Airport (STR).
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
