Christmas Holidays in Bavaria Unveil Flood Risks
Prepare for potential flooding as the Christmas season unfolds in Bavaria, particularly in the northern and eastern regions. The Bavarian Flood Information Service, in collaboration with the Bavarian Environmental Agency (LfU), has issued a warning of impending flooding, particularly focusing on Upper Franconia. Already, some communities in Itzgrund, Coburg district, have experienced flooding up to level 3, forcing closures of properties and transportation links.
The predicted flooding situation will intensify, with Middle Franconia, southern Upper Franconia, and the Upper Palatinate experiencing flooding by Saturday. Lower Bavaria, specifically the Bavarian Forest catchment area, including Ilz, is expected to face similar circumstances by Sunday. As for the Danube, the flood information service maintains initial forecasts of slight flooding, but city of Regensburg anticipates significantly higher levels 3 and 4 on Monday, necessitating the deployment of mobile flood protection elements and closures of Werftstraße.
The flood warning system recognizes four flood levels:
- At level 1, only minor flooding is noted in specific locations.
- At level 2, agricultural and forestry areas are flooded, or there may be brief traffic interruptions.
- Level 3 brings flooding to built-up properties.
Stay vigilant in Coburg district as the flood risk persists, and remain updated via the flood information service. Regensburg dwellers, too, should be aware of potential flood levels 3 and 4 by Monday, with the city mobilizing preventative measures. Visitors to Bavaria during the Christmas holidays should be mindful of the prevailing flooding conditions in specific regions, particularly in Upper Franconia and the Main catchment area, as the situation may worsen till Sunday.
Sources:
Potential flood precautions include:
- Evacuating, if instructed to do so.
- Staying informed by monitoring local news and alerts.
- Avoiding travel to affected areas, unless unavoidable.
- Keeping a safe distance from floodwaters, as they might be contaminated.
- Protecting property by moving valuables to higher ground and securing property against damage.
- Adhering to instructions from local authorities, such as relocating to higher ground or sheltering in place.
Official sources like the German Weather Service (Deutscher Wetterdienst, DWD) or local emergency management agencies provide precise and up-to-date flood warning information.
