Unpredictable weather shifts - Storm situation currently involves heavy rain and potential for flooding.
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued an alert for heavy and prolonged rainfall. The areas impacted include the eastern part of Baden-Württemberg and a large portion of Bavaria, extending from the Baden-Württemberg border to around Regensburg and between the Alps and Bamberg.
The DWD has classed some regions in Baden-Württemberg under the highest warning category due to the excessive amount of rain for the next two days. A meteorologist stated, "It's almost like a month's rain falling in just 48 hours." This level of rainfall is similar to what recently happened in the Saarland region. The implications of this downpour are as yet undetermined; it depends on the river's capacity, any flood-absorbing fields present, and flood prevention measures taken.
The areas of Oberschwaben and Ostalb are among the most affected, according to the meteorologist. In Ravensburg, rainfall between 60 and 100 liters per square meter is predicted. The potential fury of rain in southern Oberschwaben and north of the Ostalb could reach up to 150 liters per square meter.
For numerous parts of Bavaria, continuous rainfall is forecast until Sunday. Major areas Swabia and Upper Bavaria are included. Since Friday afternoon, the DWD has announced warnings for these districts at level 4 (out of 4) for "extremely heavy sustained rain." There is a high risk of life and limb loss due to severe flooding and high water levels, as well as inaccessible or water-surrounded regions. The Franconian and wider Upper Palatinate will experience heavy rain and thunderstorms on Saturday.
Eastern German State Weather
Residents in Saxony-Anhalt should prepare for rain and severe thunderstorms throughout the weekend. On Friday evening, Robert Scholz from the DWD warned of imminent severe thunderstorms beginning Saturday evening. Thunderstorm-affected areas are mainly in the south of the country, particularly in southern Saxony-Anhalt and eastern Thuringia up to Leipzig. Heavy rain is expected in the South from mid-evening.
The authorities in Thuringia have raised the alarm concerning Erfurt, where the Catholic Day celebrations are continuing through Sunday. Interior Minister Georg Maier (SPD) explained that the safety and weather conditions were being evaluated. The tent preparation for the religious gathering has accounted for wind speed and rainfall amounts. "Forces ready for an emergency situation were notified and put on standby."
Here is an overview of the current weather developments:
31.05, 21:29 p.m.: Given the critical flood threat, around 1300 individuals in Meckenbeuren in the Bodenseekreis have been advised to leave their homes. This is not a mandatory evacuation, but a recommendation. The relentless heavy rain is expected to result in exceptionally high water levels in the Schussen River, and other rivers in the area will likewise face this risk. The municipality's spokesperson mentioned, "We are hoping the weather situation will become calmer and the flooding is less extreme than foretold."
Mayor Georg Schellinger issued a statement, "We keep our fingers crossed the weather calms and the flood levels will be less drastic than predicted. Tonight there's a chance of surpassing previous flood levels, so we've started evacuations today." It is hoped people navigate this tricky situation peacefully, pack their things, and choose to stay with friends rather than be roused from sleep in the middle of the night.
31.05, 21:12 p.m.: Owing to the intense unremitting rain, the district of Günzburg in Bavarian Swabia has declared a flood situation and activated a disaster response. On Friday evening, the campsites along the Günz, Kammel, and Mindel rivers were emptied. The DWD bolstered the Sandbags supply to 15,000. "We take the situation very seriously," remarked District Administrator Hans Reichhart. "We intend to effectively use the time left before the flood reaches Günzburg."
The authorities emphasized avoiding bodies of water and basements. The water management office issued warnings about flooding and dangerous water levels in Günzburg on Friday morning.
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Due to the ongoing thunderstorms, some parts of Germany, particularly eastern Saxony-Anhalt, could experience heavy rain and potential flooding this weekend, similar to the recent situation in the Saarland region.
Despite the heavy rain warnings and flooding concerns in parts of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, residents in western Germany, such as those in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia state, are currently enjoying a peaceful weekend without any significant weather disturbances.
