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WEATHER

Weather forecast: When will the torrential rain in Austria stop?

Torrential rain and strong winds have caused severe disruption across Austria in recent days, with flooding and damage reported in several regions. But when will the downpours relent?

Published: 16 September 2024 14:44 CEST
Weather forecast: When will the torrential rain in Austria stop?
The Danube Canal overflows its banks in Vienna's city center on September 15, 2024.(Photo by Alex HALADA / AFP)

Austria was gripped by extreme weather conditions over the weekend, with heavy rain and strong winds hitting much of the country.

The country’s meteorological institute GeoSphere Austria said that in just a few days, some regions have seen up to four times the average rainfall in September. 

Authorities were closely monitoring the situation on Monday as conditions remained challenging. They warned the weather will remain challenging and that the rain was expected to ease only by Tuesday.

READ ALSO: What’s the cause of Austria’s ‘unprecedented’ rainfall and flooding?

Record-breaking rainfall

Since Thursday, Austria has been lashed by torrential rain, with regions like Lower Austria and Vienna recording unprecedented levels. 

GeoSphere Austria weather stations reported 300 to 350 millimetres of rainfall in areas such as St. Pölten, Lilienfeld, and Reichenau an der Rax and 200 to 240 millimetres in places like Zwettl and Vienna’s Innere Stadt. This is far above the usual rainfall for the entire month of September.

In Vienna alone, the past few days have seen over 280 millimetres of rain at the Mariabrunn weather station – four times the usual amount for this time of year, setting a new September record.

Adding to the challenge, a cold snap brought snow to many mountain areas. In places like Rudolshütte and Feuerkogel, snow depths of over a metre were recorded, while lower regions saw lighter snowfall. 

High winds were also recorded, with peak speeds reaching 125 km/h at the Rax mountain station and exceeding 100 km/h in various other locations.

READ ALSO: Floods in Austria: The latest news and weather warnings you need to know

Weather outlook for the coming days

Monday’s forecast showed a slight improvement in conditions by Tuesday, though some rain and strong winds will persist, GeoSphere Austria said. 

On Monday, the rain was set to continue, particularly in eastern Austria and the Tyrolean lowlands, with snow levels rising to between 1,500 and 2,000 metres. By Tuesday, widespread rainfall was expected to taper off, giving way to occasional sunshine.

Wednesday and Thursday should bring further relief, with only isolated showers forecast along with some sunny spells, particularly in northern Austria.

On Monday Vienna remained on high alert despite a slight drop in water levels. Officials cautioned that further rainfall could cause levels to rise again, and a crisis team was closely monitoring the situation. 

The Wien River catch basins have been emptied to create “storage space” for potential flooding, but authorities remained cautious about the coming days.

READ ALSO: Do workers in Austria have the right to stay at home amid floods crisis?

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FLOODS

Roads, rail and the Vienna Metro: What’s the state of Austria’s transport services?

Flooding has hit Austria hard, leaving many roadways impassable, metro services partially suspended, and river boats stranded in Vienna. Here's what you need to know on Monday.

Published: 16 September 2024 16:53 CEST
Roads, rail and the Vienna Metro: What's the state of Austria's transport services?

The severe flooding across Austria caused by the relentless rainfall over the weekend and on Monday has wreaked havoc on the nation’s transport systems, leaving commuters and travellers scrambling to adapt. 

The storm’s effects are being felt nationwide, from disrupted metro services in Vienna to closed motorways and suspended rail services.

Vienna metro network hit hard

The capital’s metro system, Wiener Linien, has been particularly affected, with several vital lines running with severe restrictions. Water levels on the Vienna River and Danube Canal have fluctuated, requiring constant flood protection efforts.

READ ALSO: Weather forecast: When will the torrential rain in Austria stop?

As a result, services on the U4, U6, U3, and U2 lines were partially suspended. While the U6 could only operate between Floridsdorf and Westbahnhof and between Meidling and Siebenhirten, the U4 was limited to the section between Heiligenstadt and Friedensbrücke. Similarly, the U3 was running from Ottakring to Schlachthausgasse, leaving Simmering without service, and the U2 was restricted to running between Seestadt and Taborstraße.

Wiener Linien has indicated that normal operations may not resume until mid-week, as flood protection measures like dam beams and sandbags were still in place. 

Depending on how the rain and water levels develop, additional delays or restrictions are possible. Commuters should check for updates via the WienMobil app or the operator’s website.

Nationwide rail and road chaos

Floods have also affected Austria’s national railway, ÖBB, with delays and cancellations expected to persist until at least Thursday, September 19th. 

The ÖBB issued travel warnings urging passengers to avoid non-essential journeys, and some major routes were suspended entirely.

READ ALSO: What’s the cause of Austria’s ‘unprecedented’ rainfall and flooding?

On the western rail line between Vienna and Linz, services were halted on Monday and Tuesday due to flooding, leaving WESTbahn passengers unable to travel. Although WESTbahn tickets were temporarily accepted on ÖBB trains between Vienna and Salzburg, travellers were asked to prepare for disruptions and extended journey times.

The situation on the roads isn’t much better. While some motorway closures have been lifted, others remained, particularly in Lower Austria, where almost 300 roads were currently impassable. Drivers are advised to avoid travel where possible and to check local road conditions before setting off.

You can see a list of all road closures HERE.

Boats and river cruises stranded

The flooding has as would be expected hit travel on Austria’s waterways. In Vienna, a Swiss river cruise ship, the Thurgau Prestige, remained docked, with its passengers unable to disembark due to high water levels. 

Since Saturday, 102 passengers and 40 crew members had been stranded on board. 

Authorities have not yet confirmed when it will be safe for them to leave the ship.

READ ALSO: Floods latest: Two men found dead in their homes in Lower Austria

Pedestrians also impacted

Even walking in some areas of Austria has been made dangerous by the storms. In Vienna, public parks were closed to reduce the risk of falling trees, while footpaths and public spaces were at risk of water damage or further flooding. 

Residents are being urged to stay indoors where possible.

READ NEXT: Do workers in Austria have the right to stay at home amid floods crisis?

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