Torrential rains are falling in Alsace, raising fears of a spectacular rise in water levels. What are the consequences of this severe weather? What does the rise of the Rhine have in store for us this weekend? Stay connected to find out everything about this weather alert shaking the region!
Heavy rains and Rhine flood in Alsace this weekend
This weekend, a particular weather situation is occurring in Alsace and Franche-Comté, with the arrival of a disturbance from Germany. This disturbance, trapped between these two regions, is causing heavy rains. Although this does not require an official alert, it is important to closely monitor these intense precipitation levels and the consequences they may bring.
A cold drop responsible for the heavy rains
These heavy rains are due to a cold drop, also known as an upper-level depression, which generates extreme weather conditions in southern Germany and Switzerland this weekend. Bavaria is indeed on high alert due to these intense rains. This cold drop tends to extend into Alsace and Franche-Comté, thus causing these heavy precipitation levels.
Up to 2 weeks of rain in 24 hours
The expected rainfall totals for Sunday are significant, with locally up to 50 mm of water in just 24 hours. This corresponds to about 2 to 3 weeks of normal precipitation between Strasbourg and Besançon. In the morning, these rains will fall as continuous rain at moderate intensity. In the afternoon, in an increasingly unstable atmosphere, thunderstorms will develop and replace the rain. These storms are expected to be quite active, with a risk of hail to be monitored closely.
Risk of flooding and inundations to monitor
After an exceptionally rainy month of May in Alsace, the new precipitation falling on already waterlogged soils can lead to reactions in watercourses. The situation is particularly worrying for the Rhine, which is situated just in the zone of the cold drop and is already experiencing severe weather and significant precipitation. In Basel, Switzerland, for example, the Rhine is already experiencing a moderate flood this Saturday.
It is therefore crucial to closely monitor the 20 to 50 mm of rain expected in Alsace and the Jura by Sunday evening, in addition to the intense rains currently pouring over southern Germany and Switzerland. The Rhine could experience a fairly significant flood early next week on the Basel/Strasbourg stretch. As for other watercourses coming down from the Vosges and the Jura, they are expected to reaction of lesser magnitude.
Precautions to take
In light of this weather situation, it is highly recommended to take some precautions to face the possible consequences of the heavy rains and the Rhine flood. Here are some tips:
- Stay informed about the weather forecasts and alerts issued by the relevant authorities.
- Avoid unnecessary travel and potentially flood-prone areas.
- Prepare your home by moving valuable items to upper floors and securing access points.
- Do not venture onto a flooded road or where the river level is high.
- If you live near a watercourse, be ready to evacuate in case of rising waters.
- Ensure you have a supply of drinking water and non-perishable food in case of power cuts or interruption of services.
By following these safety tips, you will be better prepared to face the possible consequences of heavy rains and the Rhine flood in Alsace, thereby ensuring your safety and that of those around you. Let’s stay vigilant and take care of ourselves.