Large parts of Germany should prepare for further rain and thunderstorms, according to a forecast released on Saturday morning by the German Weather Service (DWD). The forecaster said isolated thunderstorms and heavy rain are likely along the eastern edge of the Alps and in the Upper Palatinate region of the southern state of Bavaria in the morning and may hit other regions later on. In the western state of Hesse, storms may hit in the afternoon, while in Lower Saxony in the north-west, thunderstorms may develop from the west starting from midday. Similar weather was predicted for the eastern parts of the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, which lie in the west of the country on the borders with the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
Recent Storms Cause Significant Damage
Over the past few days, severe weather already caused significant damage. There were around 500 operations by the fire brigade and the Technical Relief Agency (THW) after a severe thunderstorm and heavy rain in Saarland, which borders France, the state's interior ministry said. Many cellars were flooded and municipal infrastructure was said to have been severely damaged in some areas, with landslides and burst sewers, the ministry said.
Devastation in Franconia
Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall flooded roads in parts of Germany, causing significant damage in some places, officials said on Friday, as some areas braced for further rainfall. Rescue workers called out to hundreds of incidents, with the region of Franconia in Bavaria among the places worst affected. Several cars sank in flooded underpasses in Nuremberg and Fürth, and in one district, there was a temporary power cut and streets and cellars were flooded. The worst financial damage was caused by a heavy thunderstorm in Untermerzbach north of Nuremberg, where a warehouse with around 60 to 70 vehicles went up in flames, most likely due to a lightning strike, the fire brigade said in an initial assessment. The owner made a similar statement to a dpa reporter at the scene. The damage ran to €5 million ($5.4 million), according to the police.
Flooding Across the Country
In the north of the state of Thuringia, streets were also flooded in Nordhausen, and the city said cellars were also flooded. The fire brigade was called out on numerous occasions to pump out cellars and clear roads, with some covered in mud and debris. More than 100 millilitres of rain fell in the region in less than 12 hours in the past night, the German Weather Service (DWD) said. In the city of Ludwigshafen in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, a two-family house caught fire during a thunderstorm. Investigations into the cause are under way and the police said they could not rule out a lightning strike. The five occupants of the house were unharmed but the fire caused damages of up to €100,000. In western Germany, fire brigades in the region of East Westphalia-Lippe were called out due to flooded cellars and rivers temporarily bursting their banks. Meanwhile two campsites had to be evacuated in the Sauerland region.
DWD Issues Severe Weather Warnings
The DWD issued severe weather warnings in three districts in northern Thuringia on Friday morning, with heavy rain expected for several hours, before somewhat calmer weather in the afternoon. The warnings serve as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by severe weather events in Germany. The recent storms highlight the importance of being prepared and staying informed about weather forecasts, as well as taking necessary precautions to mitigate potential risks. Officials are urging residents in affected areas to stay vigilant and follow instructions from local authorities.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
The recent storms and the looming threat of more heavy rain underscore the potential impact of climate change on Germany. The country has experienced increasingly extreme weather events in recent years, with more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, and storms. As the climate continues to change, it is crucial for Germany to adapt its infrastructure and implement measures to reduce the risks associated with severe weather. This will involve investments in flood protection, early warning systems, and sustainable infrastructure development. The German government has already taken steps to address these challenges, but more needs to be done to ensure the country is resilient in the face of future weather events.
