Weather - Storms expected - thunderstorm damage in Hersfeld-Rotenburg
Thunderstorms have led to numerous interventions by the fire department in the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district. A large thunderstorm cell passed over the region in the afternoon on Thursday, with the strongest impact felt in the cities of Bebra and Rotenburg, as well as some parts of the district. It was one of the strongest thunderstorms of the past few years in these areas.
Meanwhile, the German Weather Service (DWD) in Offenbach, Hesse, warned of further thunderstorms. Locally, there is a risk of heavy rain in the eastern half of the country, with up to 40 to 60 liters per square meter in a short time, hail up to 2 cm in size, and strong gusts of wind. The thunderstorms are expected to subside by Friday night, according to meteorologists. Specifically, there was a warning in effect until 19.30 p.m. for heavy thunderstorms and associated dangers, such as lightning strikes, falling trees, flooded roads, or flooded basements.
The local volunteer fire department in Hersfeld-Rotenburg had deployed more than 200 interventions by early evening. "In Rotenburg, we currently have around 70 reported incidents, and in Bebra, there are even around 130," explained Thorsten Bloß, head of the hazard control service of the district administration. Mostly, it was about flooded basements and flooded roads. "We will probably only be able to determine the full extent in the next few hours and days."
According to the reports, the professional schools in Bebra were closed on Friday due to the rooms being filled with water. The teaching was to be conducted in distance learning.
The thunderstorm cell that caused significant damage in Hersfeld-Rotenburg district originated from the region near Offenbach, County in Hesse. The fire department in Hersfeld-Rotenburg had to handle over 200 interventions, with the cities of Bebra and Rotenburg experiencing the brunt of the storm. Despite the DWD's warning of further thunderstorms, the local fire department in Hersfeld-Rotenburg is preparing for potential additional emergencies, as heavy rain, hail, and strong winds are expected to continue in eastern parts of the country.
