Expected weather conditions - Central and Eastern Thuringia experience unending rain and thunderstorms.
Thuringia is getting ready for the predicted heavy rainfall and thunderstorms this weekend, even though the severity of the storm has slightly diminished. The recent forecasts indicate that the storm won't hit Thuringia as badly as initially cautioned. Nonetheless, several occasions like a proposed parade in Saalfeld and the "Fête de l'Europe" in Altenburg have been relocated elsewhere, and a few kids' festivals in Gera and Weimar have been called off. The local authorities have taken measures to deal with potential flooding.
As per the German Meteorological Service's (DWD) updated forecasts, there is now an advisory for intense thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon. Eastern Thuringia will experience the brunt of the storm, specified meteorologist Robert Scholz. Intense rain is supposed to begin late on Friday night - and later than initially anticipated.
Saturated ground
If localized thunderstorms occur, up to 100 liters of rain per square meter could shower on Saturday in sync with the ongoing rain. "This might result in flooded streets and basements filling up," stressed the meteorologist. While a widespread thunderstorm scenario isn't imminent, where strong thunderstorms materialize, the potential for lightning, uprooted trees, and hail exists. Drivers should brace for aquaplaning.
Troublesome is that the ground in Thuringia is already extremely moist and can't handle any more water. The rain will then flow straight into the rivers. Therefore, water levels in smaller rivers and streams are likely to keep rising.
The flood warning center has issued flood alerts for several rivers, predominantly in the southern section of the Unstrut catchment area and for the White Elster region. Nevertheless, only the lower warning levels are foreseen to be surpassed. For the Gera River in the Thuringian state capital, warning level three could be attained.
Sandbags stored
The focus is on Middle Thuringia and, particularly, Erfurt, as localized rain is more probable there, yet difficult to predict, clarified Interior Minister Georg Maier (SPD). The Catholic Day is ongoing in Erfurt up until Sunday. The security authorities, in cooperation with the Catholic Day organizer, appraised the safety and weather conditions, said the minister. The tents for the religious gathering have been prepared for the anticipated wind speeds and rainfall levels. "Emergency forces for a response to emergencies have been brought up to speed and partly put on standby."
Following the anticipated heavy rainfall, several municipal structures in Gera, such as cemeteries and the natural bath Kaimberg, will be shut down over the weekend. The zoo in Gera will also be closed on Saturday. In Weimar, the fire and rescue office holds 1,000 sandbags in reserve, which could be deployed immediately if necessary, shared the city administration. Although there is currently no expectation of flooding on the Ilm, the situation is volatile and could change very rapidly.
By Sunday, the DWD anticipates a relaxation of the weather situation because the low-pressure system will move towards Poland. There will still be showers and brief thunderstorms, but no more thunderstorms. There won't be any more rainstorms.
