Weather forecasters in Germany warned on Thursday that expected storms in large parts of the country could pose major dangers in the coming days, including the threat of flooding that could pose a “danger to life and limb”.
The German Weather Service (DWD) warnings applied to most of southern Germany and significant parts of central and eastern Germany, from roughly the cities of Erfurt and Dresden south to the Alps.
The warnings were valid in some cases from early Friday to late Sunday. The DWD said the warnings could be expanded to other areas.
Meteorologists said a low-pressure system moving from the Alps towards Poland could bring heavy rain and thunderstorms, and persistent rain in some places.
Forecasts indicated that between 50 and 120 millimeters of rainfall would fall within 48 hours, although some areas could see as much as 150 millimeters, making flooding more likely.
Many rivers in Germany are transporting more water than normal, and in some areas the ground is already saturated.
According to the DWD, heavy rainfall can also pose a risk of landslides. Local authorities have canceled a number of outdoor events scheduled for this weekend due to the ominous forecast.
