Central Europe: Adverse winter weather forecast over parts of Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany through at least Feb. 6 /update 1

Event

Adverse winter weather is forecast across parts of Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany through at least Feb. 6. Heavy snowfall is likely in mountainous areas and heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in some areas of lower elevation. The precipitation is likely to be accompanied by strong winds in many areas. Heavy snowfall accumulations and blowing snow will likely lead to hazardous travel conditions in mountainous areas. Flooding is possible in low-lying areas where heavy downpours occur and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.

As of Feb. 2, the Austrian Central Institution for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) has issued the following warnings:

• Orange snow warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of central Austria

• Yellow snow warnings: Across much of the rest of central and parts of east-central Austria

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has issued the following warnings:

• Orange snow warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of northern and northwestern Czech republic

• Yellow snow warnings: Parts of central, northeastern, southeastern, and western Czech Republic

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Parts of east-central and southern Czech Republic

• Green outlook for strong wind phenomena statement: Across most of the country with the exception of eastern regions

The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued the following warnings:

• Red snowfall warnings (the second highest level on a four-tier scale): Parts of southeastern Alpine regions

• Red strong wind warnings: Parts of the Ore mountain range in southern Saxony State

• Orange snowfall warnings: Parts of southern and eastern Bavaria and southern Saxony states

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of west-central Germany

• Orange strong wind warnings: Across southern Bavaria State

• Orange thaw warnings: Parts of western Baden-Wurttemberg State

• Yellow snowfall warnings: Parts of east-central, southeastern, southern, and southwestern Germany

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across parts of eastern and southern Germany

• Yellow ice and frost warnings: Across parts of central and eastern Germany

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
Precipitation is expected to fall as snow across parts of the affected region over the coming days, especially in areas of higher elevation. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. There is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected areas.

Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. 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.

Transport
The adverse weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in parts of the region over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area.

The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the worst affected areas. Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in areas where heavy rainfall occurs.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall or other severe weather phenomena is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Austrian Central Institution for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG)
Czech Hydrometeorological Institue
German Weather Service (DWD)