Germany: Flash flooding to be main danger from storms into Saturday
Germany has been slammed in recent days by thunderstorms that have caused travel disruptions and flash flooding, and more powerful storms are on the way.
Two women were seriously injured after being struck by lightning on Sunday, according to the Associated Press.
New rounds of violent thunderstorms are set to erupt across Germany into the start of the weekend.
A car is pulled out of the floods in the small city of Herrstein, southern Germany, Monday, May 28, 2018. Heavy rain on the evening before caused flooding, destroying big parts of the village. (Harald Tittel/dpa via AP)
These thunderstorms will elevate the risk for travel disruptions while also threatening outdoor events across the country.
Events such as Fressgass’ Fest in Frankfurt and the Weindorf Wine Festival in Würzburg could be impacted by the adverse weather.
Thunderstorms will be widespread across the country into Saturday with the afternoon and evening hours being most active.
"Flash flooding and frequent lightning are expected to be the greatest risks from these thunderstorms due to their slow movement," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski. A few of the thunderstorms may also produce damaging winds and hail.
"Low-lying and poor drainage areas can quickly become flooded and streams can rapidly rise out of their banks where thunderstorms stall or repeat over the same area," Pydynowski said.
Remember never to drive through flooded roads to avoid a potentially deadly situation. The road underneath may be damaged, or the current of the water may be strong enough to sweep vehicles away.
Recent flooding is being blamed for contributing to animals escaping at the Eifel Zoo in Lünebach on Friday. The enclosures of the animals were damaged when a river overflowed, according to the news outlet SWR3.
The escaped animals have since been captured.
"On Saturday, northern Germany from Hamburg to Berlin and Dresden may face the most numerous heavy thunderstorms and greatest risk for new flooding issues," Pydynowski said.
"However, there can still be a few drenching thunderstorms elsewhere in Germany that cause localized flash flooding," she said. "That is especially true where the ground has been left saturated from recent heavy rain."
More of southern Germany is expected to dry out on Sunday, leading to a good day for outdoor plans in Munich, Stuttgart and Nuremberg. A couple of thunderstorms returning to northern Germany can once again put weekend activities in jeopardy in Hanover, Hamburg and Berlin.
A push of dry air from Scandinavia will further reduce thunderstorms early next week, limiting the threat to southern parts of the country.
The shift to drier weather will not mean an end to the recent warmth, as temperatures are forecast to remain above normal across the country throughout next week.
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