Heavens open up post-Zoltan: Rain and snow on tap in Germany this weekend
It's been a hair-raising few days as storm Zoltan barrelled through Germany, leaving a trail of disruption in its wake. Now, the authorities are warning of potential flooding in various regions, with heavy rain or snow expected in Lower Saxony, Hamburg, Saxony-Anhalt, and Bavaria. The German Weather Service (DWD) is anticipating fresh snowfall from the Thuringian Forest to the Bavarian Forest at altitudes of around 600 to 800 meters, while the Erzgebirge could see a heavy yet brief snowfall, increasing the risk of trees falling and branches snapping. Elsewhere, eastern Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony to Lusatia might find themselves dealing with treacherous slush until Saturday morning.
The DWD predicts that many parts of Germany could receive up to 90 liters of rain per square meter in 48 to 72 hours, with some regions even facing thunderstorms. These storms could add another 90 to 120 liters of rain per square meter. By Saturday evening, the eastern low mountain ranges are expected to transition from snow to rain and thaw.
Friday saw storm Zoltan wreak havoc across Germany, causing significant disruptions to traffic as roads and railways struggled to cope. Rail travelers, in particular, endured long waits, with some ferries not operating, and Hamburg subway trains crawling along at a snail's pace. Icy road accidents were reported in Lower Saxony, and detectives in Cologne are investigating a suspected tornado. Fatalities were reported in the Netherlands and Belgium, and the severe storm surge peaked in Hamburg late Friday morning.
As the dust begins to settle, Deutsche Bahn is bracing itself for a hectic weekend of travel. The railway company expects trains to be unusually busy, with the Christmas crowd and those having to push back their journeys due to the storm all preparing to hop on board. Delays are expected as repairs to damaged routes get underway.
The DWD keeps a close eye on weather developments, releasing regular reports and warnings. Brace yourself for more turbulent conditions in the coming days as Germany grapples with this latest set of challenges.
Additional insight:
- The long-term forecast for Berlin in February 2025 is surprisingly mild to warm, with temperatures reaching up to 41°C during the day and 34°C at night[1]. Any heavy precipitation or severe storm flooding is unlikely in the near future.
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