31 Jul 2023 | 12:06 PM UTC
Germany: Adverse weather forecast across central and western regions through at least Aug. 3
Severe weather forecast across parts of central and western Germany through at least Aug. 3. Flooding and associated disruptions possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across parts of central Germany through at least Aug. 3. Heavy rainfall is forecast across parts of northwestern, southwestern, west-central, and western Germany July 31-early Aug. 1. Strong winds are also expected across central and western areas, particularly over higher ground. Rainfall totals of 2.5-5 cm (1-2 inches) are forecast in parts of the affected area. Further showers and storms are expected in southern regions Aug. 1, western regions Aug. 2, and northwestern regions Aug. 3. Strong winds are likely across the country, especially over mountain ranges. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes in parts of the affected area. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.
As of July 31, the German Weather Service (DWD) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:
Orange continuous rainfall warnings (level 2 on a four-tier scale): Across parts of northern, southwestern, and western Baden-Wurttemberg, far northwestern Bavaria, eastern, southern, and western Hesse, northern Lower Saxony, south-central North Rhine-Westphalia, northeastern and southwestern Rhineland-Palatinate, northern Saarland, and western Schleswig-Holstein states.
Orange strong wind warnings: Parts of the Harz mountain range in Saxony-Anhalt State.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Across much of central and western Germany.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming hours and days.
Hazardous Conditions
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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
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.
Transport
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 cancelations are likely 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.
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.
