A massive weather system brings intense rain, high winds, and flooding to various regions. - Rising floods in the southern regions
In several river communities in South Germany experiencing constant rainfall, impending major flooding is a pressing concern today. Although no major floods occurred during the night, a flood a century in the making is predicted in many areas.
The situation has improved somewhat in Upper Swabia and around Lake Constance. The city of Weingarten reported, "Despite the ongoing heavy rainfall, the anticipated floods through Scherzach and Schussen during the night have not transpired." However, the spokesperson added that tension remains, and the fire department will convene in the morning for further discussions.
Residents in Weingarten near Ravensburg have been urged by authorities to stay with family or friends outside flood-prone areas, and to steer clear of cellars and basements.
In Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis, there has been a slight improvement in the situation as well. A fire department spokesperson stated, "I believe the peak has passed following midnight." Nonetheless, ongoing operations are still underway. Approximately 1,300 people were advised to vacate their homes due to imminent flooding.
A school was secured with sandbags because it was unknown whether the Schussen river would overflow at that point. The spokesperson noted that the water levels will likely decrease once again, as an extensive amount of water has already infiltrated the Bodensee.
The Wangen im Allgäu annual garden show is closed today due to the current conditions. A spokesperson shared, "The river is brimming with water, and it is still uncertain how the situation will evolve further, as there are continuing rainfall warnings for the following hours." This town on the Argen had issued a flood warning in the evening, leading to the cancellation of events on the garden show grounds.
The water level of the Argen river is being continually monitored. "We're taking this condition extremely seriously," emphasized Mayor Michael Lang (independent) in an Instagram post during the evening.
warnings for heavy rainfall are in effect in many locations throughout Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria per the German Weather Service (DWD). Precipitation amounts correlated largely with forecasts; for instance, Sigmarszell in the Lindau district received approximately 128 liters of rain per square meter within a day. In Ottobeuren, Ützeren, and Wangen im Allgäu, the rainfall amounts registered around 108 liters. In Kißlegg, about 105 liters of rain fell; while in Weiler-Simmerberg, the Lindau district received approximately 104 liters.
Rising water levels in the rivers are sparking concerns further north, particularly on the Danube and its tributaries. Torrential flooding is anticipated in these places, as they occur statistically only every 50 to 100 years.
The Zusam river in the Augsburg district has already overflowed, resulting in flooded streets and dampened cellars. However, no significant damage or injuries were reported by police. The Zusam rose to level three out of four at the Fleinhausen gauge during the night.
"We are taking the situation very seriously" [English translation: We are taking the situation very seriously]
In Günzburg, a district nearby, the department declared a disaster - in advance. The goal is to improve response capabilities for potentially flooded cities and municipalities within the region. District officials mentioned that emergency services from the entire district are needed.
Camping and leisure facilities along the rivers Günz, Kammel, and Mindel should be cleared - many guests of the Legoland amusement park may be attending during the Pentecost holidays. "We are taking the situation very seriously," shared District Administrator Hans Reichhart (CSU). "We want to make the most of the time remaining before the flood reaches the district of Günzburg."
In the district of Biberach, people in afflicted areas were cautioned to prioritize their safety. Danger looms; they are urged to assemble emergency packs and download the NINA warning app onto their smartphones, which would provide up-to-date alerts, including an audible alert in the event of an evacuation order. "To have this function, the phone must be on and not in airplane mode," said the Ravensburg district office of the most at-risk region.
A flood threat also looms in Hesse, with the potential for a flood that occurs every 20 years on the Rhine and Neckar.
In eastern Germany, residents must brace for significant rainfall and, in some instances, thunderstorms. Nevertheless, the weather system is anticipated to influence Thuringia, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt less severely than initially projected.
Read also:
- The flooding in Upper Swabia and the surrounding areas of Lake Constance has put a strain on the vineyards, affecting the grape harvest.
- The state of Baden-Württemberg is closely monitoring the weather situation in Germany, with particular concern for instances of flooding.
- The DWD is predicting further continuous rain in the coming hours, potentially exacerbating the flood situation in several regions.
- Residents in Günzburg, Bavaria, are being urged to take necessary precautions to prepare for potential flooding in their area.
- The Flood of the Century in Meckenbeuren has caused landslides near vineyards, threatening the agricultural infrastructure in the region.
- Lake Constance, a popular tourist destination in South Germany, is witnessing unusually high water levels due to the heavy rainfall and flooding.
- In Baden-Württemberg, the floods have affected various cities and towns, including Tuttlingen and Stuttgart, resulting in evacuations and extensive damage.
- The Swabian Alb, a popular hiking area in Baden-Württemberg, has shut down all trails due to the ongoing risk of flooding and landslides.
- Emergency services in Saxony are on high alert, with teams from Landslides and Floods Unit (LSR) prepared to respond to any emergencies caused by the heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
- The river Danube, which borders Austria and Germany, is also experiencing rising water levels, with flood warnings issued for various towns along the river.
- In the region of Bavaria, the city of Rosenheim has been affected by heavy flooding, causing widespread damage and evacuations.
- The city of Lindau, located on the shores of Lake Constance, has issued flood warnings due to the high water levels and potential for blockages in the Neu-Ulm-Lindau canal.
- Weather conditions in Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt are expected to remain relatively calm, though officials are encouraging residents to stay informed continuously with any updates on potential flooding or severe rainfall.
- Communities in the Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse have implemented flood mitigation measures, such as sandbagging and reinforcing riverbanks, to protect against the upcoming floods.
- The continuous rain and flooding have caused widespread disruptions across Southern Germany, including road closures, school cancellations, and transportation delays, affecting residents and tourists alike.
