Storms wreak havoc across much of Europe. At least 13 people are killed. The German Weather Service issues warnings.
Offenbach – The German Weather Service warns of severe storms, especially in south-eastern Germany. In other countries there are even deaths due to the storm. On the German border with Austria, “extremely heavy continuous rain” can be expected until Saturday morning. In addition, there could be isolated strong thunderstorms in the north-east.
The storm has already killed at least 13 people in the Mediterranean region and Austria. Six people were killed on Thursday (August 18) by the severe storms on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica. In other parts of France there was severe weather damage and flooding. People also died in Italy. According to media reports, a man and a woman were hit by falling trees in Tuscany. In Austria, five people died in the storms. Traffic was severely hampered in the south of the country.
It was not until June that severe storms in Austria led to mudslides. Whole places were cut off from the outside world.
Flood danger increases: severe storms are also expected in Germany
The storm could now also move towards Germany. For southern Bavaria and parts of Baden-Württemberg, the DWD warns of continuous rain and the consequences of heavy rainfall. At the edge of the Alps it can rain 140 liters per square meter until Saturday morning. In other parts of Bavaria and the extreme southwest of Baden-Württemberg, the DWD considers 50 to 80 liters per square meter possible.
Due to the heavy rains, basements and streets could be flooded. Flooding could occur in streams and rivers. For safety, the population was asked to close windows and doors.
Storms could also occur in the east and north-east, as the DWD announced. Heavy thunderstorms with heavy rain are possible on Friday (19 August). There could also be hailstorms and gusts of wind. In addition, shower and thunderclouds can gather from the north-west and west in the evening. There had already been severe storms in Germany in June. Tornadoes even formed in some regions in May. (yeah/dpa)
