Low pressure system "Lisa" brings further rainfall to areas already affected by flooding.
In the southern region of Germany, there's a looming threat of heavy rain and thunderstorms throughout the day. The partly inundated Saarland will also experience the effects of this weather. However, the main focal point might shift to another federal state.
The start of Tuesday will see many Germans looking up at the sky with apprehension. Severe weather, thunderstorms, and heavy rain are predicted for certain areas in Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and Saarland. Before "Lisa," a low-pressure system, moves from the south toward the North Sea, it's expected to bring significant rainfall, especially in the southern part of the country, according to wetter.de.
During the Whitsun weekend, people in Saarland and southwestern Rhineland-Palatinate faced a harrowing battle against high water and flooding. Exorbitant amounts of rain led to flooding, landslides, and inundated streets and cellars. In Saarland, a 67-year-old woman lost her life after being struck by a rescue vehicle. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported to be serious. Approximately 4,000 times, emergency responders in Saarland were deployed, the state's Minister President, Anke Rehlinger, revealed.
Reaching Beyond the Saarland
From Tuesday, the storms could potentially hit other regions of Germany. Metrologist Nico Bauer from the German Weather Service (DWD) suggests that the primary focus this time may not be on Saarland and southern Rhineland-Palatinate, but rather the area stretching from the Eifel region to central Hesse and southeastern Bavaria. This region can anticipate slightly less precipitation in the previously impacted areas.
Throughout the day, increasingly dense clouds will gather, leading to the first showers in areas west of the Rhine and the Black Forest. By afternoon, rain showers and thunderstorms will make their way as far as the low mountain ranges. In certain locales, there may be thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail, and intense gusts. Heavy downpours and thunderstorms may develop from the Eifel to Bavaria.
Up to 25 liters per square meter of rain may fall, with localized rates of 25 to 40 liters per square meter not being ruled out. Hail and squalls will probably also make an appearance. The DWD predicts that the rain and thunderstorms will march toward northeastern Germany during the night through Wednesday.
Damage Worth Millions
As the current crisis in Saarland is far from resolved, both residents and politicians are starting to grasp the magnitude of the situation. Initial assessments indicate that the floods have inflicted "damage in the millions," Rehlinger said. The true extent won't be known until the water has completely drained away.
At St. Arnual's gauge, the Saar reached a level of 6.32 meters on Saturday. Just before that, the gauge displayed a mere 2 meters. The previous highest water level was 8.24 meters right before Christmas in 1993. In the early morning, the water level was at 2.97 meters and gradually decreasing. This suggests the flood level will soon lower to 2 meters (from 2.90 meters). On the Saarland's reporting scale, a level 2 represents "agricultural areas, possibly also individual buildings flooded, and minor traffic disruptions."
"Yet, it's already evident today that we'll face considerable damage to private properties, but also to critical infrastructure like roads, bridges, and daycare centers," stated Rehlinger. "We've spent the past few days battling against mountains of water. Although we'll most likely have to address the consequences for years."
As per DWD meteorologist Bauer, storms like these are increasingly becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. "This occurs because a warmer atmosphere can take on more moisture, ultimately causing heavier downpours."
Read also:
- Floods: water levels remain critical in many places
- Snow chaos further restricts Bavaria
- Continuous operation in the flood areas
- Flood situation remains tense in many places
- The upcoming storm might pose a threat to Bavaria, as meteorologist Nico Bauer predicts a shift in focus from Saarland and southern Rhineland-Palatinate to the Eifel region, central Hesse, and southeastern Bavaria.
- To address the damage caused by the ongoing floods in Saarland, Anke Rehlinger, the state's Minister President, has revealed that emergency responders were deployed approximately 4,000 times during the Whitsun weekend, with initial assessments indicating "damage in the millions."
- International efforts and support might be needed, as the severe weather conditions, including storms and heavy rain, are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, according to DWD meteorologist Nico Bauer.
Source: www.ntv.de
