The German Weather Service (DWD) is warning of severe thunderstorms with heavy rain, gusty winds and hail for large parts of Bavaria. A severe weather warning is currently in effect for districts in Lower Bavaria and areas in Upper Palatinate in particular – in some cases until 2 a.m.
Flood intelligence service: “extreme flash floods” possible
According to the DWD, heavy rain with amounts of up to 40 liters per square meter in one hour and hail with a size of around two centimeters can occur in the relevant districts. Gusts of up to 60 kilometers per hour are therefore possible. Specifically, the DWD warns of lightning strikes, falling branches, falling scaffolding, flying objects, damage to buildings, flooding of streets and underpasses and possibly flooding of basements. In addition, aquaplaning and landslides can occur.
Staying outdoors should be avoided, as should staying near bodies of water. In addition, free-standing objects should be secured, tents and covers secured, and behavior in traffic should be adjusted. Obstacles to traffic routes must also be taken into account and preventive flood protection measures taken if necessary.
The Bavarian Flood Warning Service (HND) warns of a local flood risk, especially for southwest Bavaria. Extreme flash floods are also possible. The danger is particularly great in smaller bodies of water. Water levels there could rise sharply within a short period of time during the night into Tuesday and cause local flooding, according to the HND.
Other parts of Bavaria affected by storms
The DWD is also warning other regions of Bavaria of severe thunderstorms and heavy rain until the early hours of Tuesday morning. Storm gusts with wind speeds of between 65 and 85 kilometers per hour can occur. In addition, precipitation amounts of 35 l/m² and locally, especially in the Alps and in the Ostallgäu, even up to 70 liters per square meter. This level 2 warning applies to parts of Swabia, Upper Bavaria, the districts of Middle and Upper Franconia, the district of Freyung-Grafenau and districts in the Upper Palatinate. The only region in which the DWD does not currently have a warning is Lower Franconia.
Two accidents on A8 near Augsburg due to aquaplaning
There were already two accidents due to aquaplaning on the A8 motorway in Swabia on Monday evening due to heavy rain. They occurred in the Augsburg district between Zusmarshausen and Adelsried, a police spokesman said. No one was injured. A road near Bad Grönenbach was also flooded.
Temporary power outage in Augsburg
In Augsburg’s city center and in the districts of Herrenbach, Spickel and Hochzoll, the power went out between 8 and 9 p.m. in the evening. According to the press spokesman for the municipal utility company, Jürgen Fergg, the cause is suspected to be a lightning strike on a high-voltage line. As a result, two substations failed. It is estimated that around 30,000 households were cut off from the power supply.
The fire brigade had to carry out more than 30 operations as a result of the storms, power outages and surges. The reasons were stuck elevators, fire alarm systems that had broken down, but also lightning strikes in allotment gardens with burning Thuja hedges, as well as flooded cellars and flooded road crossings.