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WEATHER

Austria hit by storms as Graz records Europe’s warmest temperature

The Styrian capital of Graz was the warmest place in Europe on Thursday as stormy weather swept across Austria.

Published: 17 February 2022 17:35 CET
The Austrian city of Graz. Photo by Daniel J. Schwarz on Unsplash
The Austrian city of Graz. Photo by Daniel J. Schwarz on Unsplash

It might still be winter but it felt more like spring across much of Austria on Thursday as a storm system moved across the country bringing gale force winds and unseasonably warm temperatures.

Graz was Europe’s warmest location on Thursdaywhen the mercury hit 22.1 degrees on Thursday afternoon followed by wind gusts of over 100km per hour on the Styrian mountains.

The temperature also pushed past 20 degrees in Deutschlandsberg (21.8 degrees), Köflach (21.2 degrees) and Frohnleiten (20.6 degrees) – all in Styria.

The average temperature in Austria for February is roughly 3 degrees.

Overnight on Thursday, strong winds are set to continue in the Alps but are expected to settle down on Friday.

The mild weather in Styria will continue on Friday with a forecasted high of 16 degrees.

Elsewhere in Europe, Germany has been hit by wild stormy weather leading to disruptions to rail and air networks and a state of emergency has been declared for Berlin. the Czech Republic has also been impacted by the storm and 300,000 homes are without power.

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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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