East sees potential for more flooding. - The highest level of threat is imminent on Saturday night.
Meteorologists have been sounding the alarm for several days, anticipating intense rainfall that is set to soak various parts of the republic during the weekend. The chilling prediction suggests over 150 liters of rain per square meter drenching these areas.
Saxony is once again in the thick of it, enduring severe flooding back in 2002 and witnessing the Elbe overflowing repeatedly. On Wednesday evening, the Flood Control Center issued an urgent alert. They provided an alarming forecast, stating that the water levels could surge past the highest safety level 4 by Friday night.
Concentrated on South and West Saxony
The authorities have warned that a regional flood situation in Saxony might emerge as early as Saturday. This would first impact the smaller streams in the Middle Mountains and subsequently, the larger rivers. In particular, they expect the Upper White Elster river basin in Vogtland and the Mulde river basin to be most affected, along with the tributaries of the Upper Elbe in the Ore Mountains region.
The German Weather Service (DWD) predicts continuous rainfall from Friday afternoon until Sunday afternoon. There may even be the first showers and thunderstorms by Thursday. However, the rainfall is expected to increase considerably on Friday.
The Elbe's imminent rise
The State Flood Control Center estimates that the rainfall amounts may reach between 50 and 120 liters per square meter, with certain localities witnessing up to 150 liters per square meter in just 48 hours. Unfortunately, a precise prediction of the situation's evolution remains elusive due to the iffy forecasts. "A thorough examination of the evolving weather scenario is crucial in the days ahead," emphasized a spokesperson. As soon as a flood crisis occurs, further alerts will be disseminated.
The Elbe river in Dresden may also swell starting from next week, with past experiences revealing floods appearing as recently as December. In the past week, people have been struck by lightning while at the river's edge.
▶︎ Other affected regions are Baden-Württemberg, Thuringia, and Bavaria, according to the DWD. "The Neckar is already full," mentioned a meteorologist on Wednesday.
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