Torrential weather hits the southwest region
Heavy Storms Sweep Through Southwestern Germany: Flooding, Closed Tracks, and Potential for More
Southwestern Germany is currently grappling with severe thunderstorms, causing widespread disruption and flooding in several districts. The storms, characterized by heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, have led to flooded basements and closed train tracks. NTV weather expert Bjoern Alexander has issued a warning of further storms overnight.
The intensely affected areas include parts of Erftstadt, located southwest of Cologne, where the water level has risen half a meter, causing numerous basements to flood. The town is currently without power, according to a police spokesman, with the fire department reporting approximately 100 deployments. In Euskirchen, a neighboring district, authorities reported relatively fewer deployments, with water standing in some streets and basements.
Additionally, storms have been reported in Wiesbaden, Hesse, where the "Pride" festival of the Christopher Street Day was briefly interrupted due to a thunderstorm with heavy rain. In Rhineland-Palatinate, several regional train routes were closed, including RB62, RB63, RB64, and RB67.
Weather expert Bjoern Alexander had previously warned of stormy conditions in the south of North Rhine-Westphalia, with the potential for heavy rain, up to 40 liters per square meter in a short time, and storm gusts of up to 100 kilometers per hour. Hail is also possible. Forecasts indicate further thunderstorms overnight to Sunday.
In broader context, Western and Central Europe has been subject to intense storms recently, with neighboring countries like the Netherlands also experiencing similar conditions. Europe is expected to experience a summer marked by heatwaves, droughts, and intermittent thunderstorms, possibly exacerbating the intensity of storm events like those currently affecting southwest Germany. Additionally, a powerful solar storm hit Earth on June 1, which could potentially impact GPS and communication systems, complicating emergency responses during severe weather episodes.
Authorities and weather services continue to monitor the situation closely, advising residents to remain vigilant and prepared for possible additional severe weather and flood threats. Emergency warnings remain in place as the storm system continues to affect southwest Germany.
In the wake of the ongoing thunderstorms in Southwestern Germany, specifically in Wiesbaden, North Rhine-Westphalia, further weather forecasting indicates the possibility of more storms overnight to Sunday. European weather-forecasting experts have predicted a summer marked by heatwaves, droughts, and intermittent thunderstorms, with potential impacts on emergency responses due to a solar storm that hit Earth on June 1.
