Deployment forces under stress - Flood damages and 190,000 flashes in Austria
Heavy rain and hailstorms caused damage in various regions of Austria once again. According to the weather service UBIMET, there were 190,000 lightning strikes recorded in the country on the previous day - the highest value this year. In Vorarlberg, the rainfall in the Rhine Valley near the Bodensee was so intense that trees were bent, roofs were covered, and many roads were flooded due to blocked drainage.
Due to the large water flows in the Rhine, the area near the dikes was closed for safety reasons for the population. The Austrian Hail Insurance estimates the damage in Vorarlberg at around 1.2 million Euros. Over 5,000 hectares of arable land were reportedly destroyed.
In Tirol, roads blocked by landslides could already be partially cleared on Saturday. The Oberinntalstraße and Villgratentalstraße remained closed.
In Steiermark, the weather front caused flooding and uprooted trees. In southern Carinthia, emergency services rescued swimmers, stand-up paddlers, and surfers from several lakes who could no longer reach the shore due to the strong wave action. At Vienna Airport, approximately 40 flights had to be cancelled on Friday evening due to the weather conditions.
- The operative team in Vorarlberg reported significant water damage caused by the hailstorm, with many structures needing immediate attention.
- The unfavorable weather, including hailstorms, has led to concerns about potential flooding along the Rhine, which borders Austria and Germany, including the Bodensee region.
- The stress levels among locals and emergency services personnel in Austria have been high, with the relentless hailstorms and subsequent flooding causing significant disruptions.
- Despite the impact of the hailstorm in Austria, neighboring countries, such as Germany and Switzerland, have also experienced similar weather conditions, resulting in Blitz-like hailstorms and flooding.
- The authorities have warned of continued flooding risks in the Rhine Valley, urging residents to practice caution and be prepared for further hailstorms and potential floods.
