Munich/Passau – Numerous helpers are filling sandbags to protect against the floods, roads in the Alps are being closed after heavy snowfalls: in mid-September, the weather kept hundreds of firefighters and police officers busy, especially in the south and southeast of the Free State. The preliminary result: flooded roads and fields, cellars full of water, traffic accidents in heavy rain, train cancellations.
The new week is expected to start with widespread rain. The weather could become nicer and warmer towards the weekend.
The next few days will be wet
The flood situation remains tense for the time being: it will probably not get any worse than it is now, predicted the Bavarian Flood Intelligence Service (HND). However, there is no all-clear yet.
It will rain continuously until Tuesday, especially in the south and southeast of Bavaria. The water levels in rivers and streams could rise again – but widespread flooding of built-up areas is not in sight. There is no need to fear a flood like in June.
The German Weather Service (DWD) is expecting 40 litres of rain per square metre from the Alps across the foothills to the Bavarian Forest by Tuesday, and up to 90 litres in areas with heavy rainfall. It is expected to become drier and warmer over the course of the week.
Munich: First falling water levels then new rain in the evening and at the start of the week
According to HND, the break in the rain in Munich has meant that the water levels are no longer rising and are now falling below warning level 2. However, this is changing again with the new rain in the evening, which is expected to intensify on Monday morning. A rise in the Isar level just above warning level 2 is therefore to be expected again.
According to the HND, the Würm is currently flooding again. At the Leutstetten gauge, warning level 1 remains exceeded and, after a brief decline, will reach warning level 2 over the next few days.
In addition, groundwater levels have risen considerably due to rainfall, particularly in areas near the Isar. According to the HND, cellars should be checked if this is possible without risk.
Lots of snow at higher altitudes
The onset of winter in the Alps brings with it an increased risk of avalanches at higher altitudes. Above about 1,200 meters there is a continuous blanket of snow. In the high altitudes this is up to one meter thick, the Bavarian Avalanche Warning Service reported.
Fresh snow accumulated by the sometimes strong wind is problematic and could break off as a slab in steep terrain near the ridge. Avalanches of medium size, sufficient to cause burial, are possible.
The avalanche warning service expects the situation to remain tense in the coming days. In addition, many hiking trails in higher areas are covered in snow, icy and slippery.
Snow hotspots are currently the Berchtesgaden and Chiemgau highlands, with some areas having more than a meter of snow. This is particularly true for this time of year. At the Dürrnbachhorn station above Winklmoos in the Chiemgau Alps, the snow depth is around 1.20 meters, and on the Zugspitzplatt it is almost 90 centimeters.
Water masses on streets and in houses
Due to the persistent rain, some streets in Bavaria were flooded and some cellars were also flooded. Upper Bavaria, Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate were particularly affected over the weekend, as the HND reported. The Danube, Inn, Isar, Mangfall and Vils rivers, among others, carried significantly more water than last week.
The power of the water: On the road during the Isar flood in Munich
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In Passau, where three rivers meet, the old town was closed off. Vehicles were also to be driven out of the flood area. Sandbags were filled and distributed, and flood protection was erected. “There is an urgent warning not to enter flooded areas!” the city said.
According to the flood information service, the water level in Passau on the Danube was at 7.44 metres on Sunday afternoon – with a tendency to fall initially. On Thursday evening, it was just under 5 metres.
The Marienbrücke gauge of the river Inn showed 5.03 meters around Sunday afternoon – here the water level was also falling. On Thursday evening it was still around 2.50 meters. The three rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz come together in Passau.
The water level in the Königssee in Berchtesgadener Land was lowered as a precaution. “We opened the locks,” said technical operations manager Michael Brandner. This was a precautionary measure. Boat traffic was prohibited on Saturday.
Franconia even enjoys the sun
In Franconia, the weather was mostly calm, with the occasional sun shining. Nuremberg even reported an extension of the outdoor pool season: “Even though the weather isn’t quite as good at the moment, a good number of guests still come to the Westbad every day to enjoy swimming outdoors.” Because it is supposed to be warmer and drier next week, the Westbad will remain open a week longer than planned – until September 22nd.
Storm consequences in neighboring countries more dramatic
In Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland, however, the situation escalated. There were deaths and several missing people. In the Czech town of Opava and other towns on the border with Poland, thousands of people had to be evacuated from their homes. Entire settlements were under water. A mudslide cut off the mountain town of Mala Upa from the outside world.
In Austria, the water levels of several rivers rose dramatically. Numerous streams overflowed their banks in the persistent rain. The entire state of Lower Austria around Vienna was declared a disaster area.
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