Weather service UBIMET recorded over 190,000 lightning strikes across the country on Saturday – the highest number on record this year. 

Accompanying hail, rain and wind also caused chaos across the country. 

More than 5,000 acres of agricultural land were ‘completely devastated’ by hailstones in the state of Vorarlberg, costing local farmers approximately 1.2 million euros. 

In Styria, flooding caused significant numbers of residents to be evacuated near Krottendorf-Gaisfeld, southwest of Graz. 

On Friday, emergency services across the Salzburg region were deluged with calls as rivers burst and landslides blocked roads. 

More storms coming

While conditions are mostly fine and warm across the country on Tuesday, meteorologists warn that more severe weather is on the way. 

ORF’s weather portal indicates that storms may develop across Upper Styria and Lower Austria as the day progresses, despite the heat. 

Styria, Lower Austria and Carinthia will continue to be the focus of more storms, centred mainly on alpine areas into Wednesday, before the country gets another respite on Thursday and Friday. 

The weekend may see the return of storms and hail across much of the country. 

Austria’s Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) also regularly issues severe weather warnings via their website, and you can see current warnings in effect here. 

How do I keep myself (and my home) safe from severe weather? 

Much of the advice to stay safe when severe strikes in Austria is simple common sense – however, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

First, Austria’s alpine geography, and the concentration of communities and roads along river valleys means that driving can be a far riskier proposition thanks to the threat of flash flooding and landslides. 

Knowing this, when faced with the prospect of severe weather, it’s highly recommended to stay put and keep your car parked in a secure spot. 

READ MORE: How to protect yourself during storm season in Austria

Second, a considerable number of Austrian homes have cellars – something not as common in other countries. 

In areas close to rivers or lakes, or close to mountains, cellars can quickly become flooded when rivers burst their banks, or landslides occur. 

While storms – particularly in the summer – can be quite intense, it’s a very good idea to stay out of the cellar during these conditions. 

As for your home, there’s not much you can do when faced with extreme natural conditions – but you can prepare for the worst.

Homeowner or building insurance (‘Eigenheimversicherung’) is obligatory in Austria, while household or home contents insurance (‘Haushaltversicherung’) is not.

Home insurance covers the structure and fittings of your home, while contents cover your possessions. 

READ MORE: Haushaltversicherung: How does Austria’s home insurance work?

If you are renting, home insurance will be taken out by your landlord. 

Many insurance will offer both home and contents insurance as a package.