Weather - Rain and lots of wind: risk of storm surges on the coasts
The pre-Christmas period is entering its final phase with lots of rain and stormy winds in places. It will be mostly cloudy and rainy this Thursday, and the German Weather Service in Offenbach warned of gale-force gusts from low pressure system "Zoltan" for the coasts and the Alps on Thursday morning.
There is a risk of storm surges in the north and north-west of Germany from this Thursday. The water levels on the Elbe and Weser could reach the storm surge mark of 1.5 meters above mean high water in some places on Thursday evening, according to the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH). According to a BSH spokeswoman, the Weser and Elbe areas will be the main focus. But people on the North Sea coast will also have to prepare for high water, with some ferry trips being canceled in the coming days.
Heavy snowfall at higher altitudes
The rest of the country is also expected to experience stormy gusts this Thursday. Highs will reach a less Christmassy 5 to 12 degrees. Meteorologists are predicting heavy snowfall in the higher elevations of the Bavarian Forest.
Widespread squalls are also expected on Friday night. For the mountains and the coasts, the meteorologists forecast gale-force winds.
On Friday, it will be mostly cloudy and often rainy, especially in the Black Forest and in the Alps there may be heavy precipitation in places, with snow at high altitudes. The snow line will be around 1200 meters in the Alps and 600 meters in the low mountain ranges. With highs between 4 degrees in the north-east and in the mountains and 11 degrees along the Rhine, it will remain fairly mild for the time being.
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- Residents in Hamburg and Lower Saxony should be prepared for the bad weather, as the German Weather Service (DWD) has issued warnings for high winds and heavy rain.
- The stormy weather is causing concerns about a possible storm surge along the North Sea coast, with the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) warning of high water levels.
- Bremen and Schleswig-Holstein are also at risk of a storm surge, as the Elbe and Weser water levels could reach 1.5 meters above mean high water.
- Ferry services between the North Sea islands and the mainland may be affected by the storm surge, leading to cancellations and disruptions.
- The bad weather is not only affecting the coasts, but also the Alps, where gale-force winds and heavy snowfalls are expected at higher altitudes.
- The rain and storms are also affecting shipping in the German ports, with the DWD issuing warnings for strong gusts and high waves.
- The weather in Germany is a reminder of the risks that come with living near the coasts and inland waterways, especially during the pre-Christmas season when many people are traveling.
- Despite the bad weather, the weather in the rest of the country will remain fairly mild with highs between 5 to 12 degrees this week.
- Meteorologists are predicting widespread squalls and gale-force winds for the mountains and the coasts on Friday night.
- People in Germany are urged to stay informed about the weather conditions and to take appropriate precautions to stay safe during this stormy period.
Source: www.stern.de
