Heavy weather front approaching, brace for potential disruptions. - Extended rainfall forecasted in numerous areas of Bavaria.
The heavy downpour across parts of Bavaria is predicted to continue until Sunday, with Swabia and Upper Bavaria being at the receiving end. The German Meteorological Service (DWD) issued a severe rain alert for these districts up to Saturday afternoon, anticipating Level 4 heavy continuous rainfall. As a result, immense flooding and high water levels could lead to areas being submerged or stranded, posing significant risks to life and safety. Meanwhile, Franconia and large areas of the Upper Palatinate could witness heavy rain and thunderstorms on Saturday, as per the DWD's statement on Friday.
Bavaria's Minister of the Environment, Thorsten Glauber (Freie Wähler), advised the public to stay updated through the Flood Warning Service (HND). "We're keeping a close eye on the situation across Bavaria. The warning services are actively involved," Glauber said on Friday. Authorities are collaborating closely to proactively detect potential flood risks.
Glauber also emphasized the state of emergency measures currently being taken in response to the heavy rainfall. "The situation in several areas of Bavaria is becoming more tense due to the heavy rain," Glauber said. "We appreciate the efforts of the emergency services and the volunteers who continue to help." Flash floods and floods can't be entirely prevented, but measures will be taken to minimize risks and damage. The Water Rescue Service of the Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) and the German Life-Saving Society (DLRG) will be prepared with their teams in place.
Several towns are also preparing for the storm. The city of Leipheim (district of Günzburg) warned of impending floods similar to those occurring every 100 years. The Donau waterworks were safely shut down on Friday, and a nearby waterworks was activated as a backup source for the drinking water supply, advised Mayor Christian Konrad. Due to the potential shutdown of the drinking water supply in the coming days, Konrad urged residents to buy mineral water.
In Regensburg, mobile flood barriers on the Danube would be set up on Friday, with warning levels 2 (4.50 meters) and 3 (5.00 meters) possibly breached on Sunday.
Several districts, including Kitzingen, Miesbach, Landshut, and Bamberg urged citizens to prepare for potential flooding. For instance, the Miesbach administration asked people to consider subscribing to a neighborhood assistance network: "Think about who might be able to assist you or potential neighbors in a flooding situation."
From Saturday until at least Monday, the Danube ferry operation between Mariaposching (district of Straubing-Bogen) and Stephansposching (district of Deggendorf) was to be suspended.
Flood Warning Service Alerts Ministration of Environment City of Leipheim DWD Forecast
P.S: The heavy rainfall is aggravating conditions in various districts in Bavaria. Emergency services and volunteering groups are working tirelessly to mitigate flood risks.
