Welcome to Alsace, where heavy rains cast a shadow of mystery over the region. But what is the reality? Could we witness an unexpected disaster? And what about the evolution of the Rhine flood? A scenario worthy of a weather thriller is unfolding before our eyes… Will you dare to discover more?
Weather alert in Alsace: Heavy rains raise concerns
This weekend, a disturbance from Germany got stuck between Alsace and Franche-Comté, causing heavy rains in these regions. Although meteorological services have not issued an official alert, the situation is being closely monitored due to the flood risks of the Rhine between Strasbourg and Basel.
A cold drop causing intense precipitation
These heavy rains are caused by a cold drop, also known as an upper-level depression, affecting southern Germany and Switzerland this weekend. Bavaria is on maximum alert due to this bad weather. This cold drop is spilling over into Alsace and Franche-Comté, causing significant precipitation.
Up to 2 weeks of rain in just 24 hours
The announced rainfall totals are particularly high until this Sunday evening. Locally, between 30 and 50 mm of rain could fall in just 24 hours, equivalent to 2 to 3 weeks of normal precipitation between Strasbourg and Besançon. Currently, these precipitations are appearing as continuous rain of moderate intensity. This afternoon, with an increasingly unstable atmosphere, thunderstorms will take over, and they are expected to be active enough to warrant particular vigilance, especially due to the risk of hail.
Risk of floods and inundations
After an already exceptionally rainy May in Alsace, these new precipitations on already saturated soils can cause river reactions. The situation is more concerning for the Rhine, which is situated precisely at the level of the cold drop stagnating over southern Germany and causing this bad weather this weekend, with totals possibly reaching 150 mm. Already, this Sunday, the Rhine is experiencing a moderate flood between Basel and Strasbourg.
The 20 to 50 mm of rain expected in Alsace and the Jura by this Sunday evening, combined with the intense rains currently falling over southern Germany and Switzerland, are under close surveillance. The Rhine could experience a significant flood between Basel and Strasbourg, but without major damaging consequences. Other rivers descending from the Vosges and the Jura are expected to react to a lesser extent.
More information to come
The Weather Channel is closely monitoring the evolution of this weather situation in the Alsace region. Regular updates will be provided regarding the evolution of the Rhine flood and the potential dangers related to these heavy rains.