As a precaution, the Ruhr Association has released water from its dams to cushion the threat of flooding on the Ruhr and its tributaries. At the State Office for Nature and Environmental Protection (LANUV), the flood reporting service was activated.
It is to be expected that the water levels for a small flood will be exceeded on the Ruhr, the Ems and the Sieg, it was said. A small flood occurs when agricultural and forestry areas or individual streets are flooded. However, there is no danger to buildings at this warning level.
Accidents and traffic jams on Wednesday morning
A car kicks up rainwater as it drives along a street in continuous rain. | Image source: picture alliance/dpa
In the morning, the constant rain and the associated aquaplaning caused problems in rush hour traffic. “We can hardly deal with the accidents“, a spokesman for the motorway police described the situation on the A40. The route near Mülheim, but also near Essen, was particularly affected, it was said.
Two people were slightly injured, but otherwise there was only property damage, according to the police. In most cases these are rear-end collisions. This caused backlogs.
Traffic on the A40 | Image source: Johannes Hoppe
Storm warning for NRW
An official severe weather warning from the German Weather Service is in effect until Friday morning at 6 a.m. (DWD). Large parts of the Rhineland, Westphalia and parts of the Bergisches Land are affected. It will be wet, uncomfortable and stormy across the country.
Official storm warning for continuous rain | Image source: WDR
Loud DWD Rainfall amounts between 60 and 80 liters per square meter are expected. Flooding of streams and smaller rivers can occur, and streets can also be flooded. There are also official warnings about storms and gusts of wind throughout NRW.
The warning applies to these districts and cities:
- Ennepe-Ruhr district
- Hochsauerlandkreis (HSK)
- Düren district
- Euskirchen district
- Olpe district
- Siegen-Wittgenstein district
- Märkischer Kreis
- Oberberg district
- Rhein-Sieg district
- Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis
- City of Hagen
- City of Remscheid
- City of Solingen
- City of Wuppertal
- Aachen city region
Thursday: Rain with varying intensities
The DWD predicts long-lasting precipitation, which can vary in intensity. Continuous rain is likely in some areas in mountainous areas. The temperatures range between 3 degrees in Herford and 8 degrees in Dormagen. Individual strong gusts cannot be ruled out.
The WDR-Weather editorial team expects water levels on many streams and rivers to rise NRW, individual agricultural and forestry areas as well as roads may be flooded. Minor traffic disruptions on main roads and municipal roads are therefore possible. Flooding is expected on larger rivers such as the Weser at the weekend, which could also restrict shipping.
Friday: Also gaps in clouds
On Friday there are only some places in NRW still heavy rain, but in the second half of the day there were also gaps in the clouds along with isolated showers. With stormy gusts it becomes milder at 7 to 15 degrees.
Saturday: Occasional sunshine
On Saturday there will be thick clouds with some rain and occasional sunshine. It will probably remain unusually mild for the time of year at 10 to 15 degrees. That’s good news for the Jecken. We have a few tips on how to brave the weather during carnival.
Our sources:
- German Weather Service (DWD)
- WDR weather editorial team
- dpa news agency
Constant rain in NRW.
WDR Studios NRW.
02/07/2024.
00:43 Min..
Available until February 14, 2024.
WDR Online.