Alert for intense weather conditions - Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
A peaceful night continues, but heavy thunderstorms with intense rainfall are set to disrupt parts of Saxony, starting from Saturday afternoon as per Marcel Schmid of the German Weather Service (DWD). Expecting up to 60 liters of rainfall per square meter in certain regions, West Saxony is particularly at risk. These areas might witness a repeat of thunderstorms (known as "thunderstorm streets") resulting in heavy rainfall. There's also a risk of localized flooding in some areas where rivers and streams can overflow. By midnight, the situation should ease up a bit, according to Schmid.
The likelihood of localized flash floods and flooding in specific areas of Saxony looms because of the continuous rain and approaching thunderstorms. The State Flood Control Center anticipates that the flooding warning stations of the Upper White Elster and Mulde river basins could observe water levels rising up to level 1 and 2. Nevertheless, the scenario that might exceed the alarm stage 3 is also possible, but, by Saturday afternoon, no such levels had been breached.
For the Saxon section of the Elbe, a precise evaluation of the predicted flood situation is promising from Sunday. As of now, the Hydro-Meteorological Institute in Prague has forecasted increased water levels for the Elbe and Moldau gauges in Czech Republic.
The State Office for the Environment, Agriculture and Geology (LfULG) urged the residents on Saturday in light of the prediction of floods and flooding to keep their own safety in consideration. Their recommendations include staying clear of water bodies, avoiding basements, cellars, or garages during heavy rain accompanied by water infiltration, and refraining from driving through flooded places on foot or by car.
Despite no confirmation of the forecasted rainfall of up to 120 liters per square meter occurring within the last 48 hours, the weather conditions remained calm in Vogtlandkreis until Saturday afternoon. There haven't been any disturbances linked to the weather.
In Plauen, preparations are underway for bad weather and potential flooding. Since 5:00 a.m., the flood and bridge guards have been on duty along the riverside of Elster in Plauen as announced by René Schreiter, the head of the Plauen Fire Brigade. Five thousand sandbags have been filled and roughly three thousand have been distributed.
The DWD predicts a slight change in the weather situation on Sunday, but it should be taken with caution. However, thunderstorms with strong rain will persist in all parts of Saxony. In regions where intense thunderstorms hit, there's a chance of lightnings, uprooted trees, and hail. Motorists must also factor in the possibility of aquaplaning, mentioned Schmid.
