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.
