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WEATHER

Austria braced for Spring storms from the Baltics

The Austrian meteorological agency predicted storms, thunder and downpours for several Austrian regions on Monday May 21st.

Published: 21 May 2018 16:26 CEST
Austria braced for Spring storms from the Baltics
An aerial pictur shows a view of snow-covered peaks in the Austrian Alps. Photo: Christof Stache/AFP.

Nicknamed 'Sven' in the Austrian media, a gust of storms from the east is expected to affect the alpine regions around the provinces of Lower Austria and Vienna this week, although light showers are to be expected across the country, reports Austrian daily Heute. 

The south and west of the Central European country can expect thunder storms, while snowfall, rains and heavy winds are expected in the east and north of the country, according to the national weather station. 

Temperatures will nevertheless remain high at between 18 and 26 Celsius across the country. 

Mild storms are expected to continue all week, especially in highland areas. 

READ MORE: January could break 30-year record for cold weather in Austria

 

 

 

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WEATHER

VIDEOS: Austria hit by heavy flooding after severe storms

The recent high water level on the Danube River has lead to widespread flooding. Residents in Linz and several Lower Austrian cities were hit as heavy rains caused damage.

Published: 4 June 2024 17:16 CEST
VIDEOS: Austria hit by heavy flooding after severe storms

The recent days of heavy rain have led to the Danube River rising dramatically to seven meters. The high water levels have resulted in widespread flooding across Linz and Lower Austrian cities, causing chaos and disruption, reported Kurier. 

In Linz, popular recreational spots such as the Alturfahrer Danube beach are now completely underwater. Meteorologists warn that the situation could worsen, with water levels expected to peak during the night of June 6th.

410 incidents since Monday afternoon

Emergency services in the affected regions, such as firefighters, have been working constantly during the recent days, handling more than 410 incidents since Monday afternoon. In Lower Austria, the areas most affected are Tulln, St. Pölten, Melk, and Krems, where the flooding has affected streets, basements, and private homes.

Due to the flooding, areas in the district of Korneuburg had to be partially closed. Additionally, in places like Amstetten and Kritzendorf in the district of Tulln, the Danube overflowed its banks.

The situation in the district of Krems is also severe, especially in the southern villages and the town of Senftenberg. To address the crisis, 27 fire brigades with over 200 fire fighters were put in action. Throughout one night, they handled more than 250 emergency calls.

Vienna has also been affected by the flooding, even if significantly less than the already mentioned regions.

The city has issued a bathing ban for the New Danube following the flooding in the area. The ban, which also prohibits water sports and boating, was implemented for hygienic reasons.

Ships not allowed on the Danube 

Due to high water levels, all navigation on the Danube River in Austria has been prohibited since Tuesday afternoon, except for the Wiener Donaukanal, reported Die Presse.

The closure is a safety measure which affects both goods and passenger shipping, as well as recreational boating.

According to Christoph Caspar, spokesman for Via Donau, It is currently impossible to say how long the closure will last.

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