Stormy with a view of flying plate parts: this prediction would have come true today in Mattighofen (Upper Austria). Strong gusts of wind had literally ripped a huge tin roof to shreds, the pieces raining down on the surrounding area. Miraculously, no one was injured.
A small thunderstorm cell literally tore the zinc roof of an industrial building in Mattighofen in the morning. Parts of the roof hit streets, cars, trees, a nearby pond, and even smashed through windows of surrounding homes.
Fortunately no injuries
“It borders on a miracle that no one was hit by the flying metal parts and wooden beams,” said the spokesman for the Mattighofen volunteer fire brigade. The property has been rented for a long time for storage. But because a concrete ceiling under the roof still separates the underlying storage areas from the outside world, there should be no damage to complain about. The roof of about 50 by 60 meters, on the other hand, will have to be completely replaced.
Difficult salvage ahead
Nearby, a large tree was also uprooted and another fell on a power line. Firefighters cordoned off the area and sealed off surrounding streets. The clean-up work is now entrusted to a specialized company. Particularly the disposal of those parts that have ended up in the pond and the surrounding trees will be difficult.
Expert: “Weakened by previous storms”
“Our weather station in Mattighofen has measured peak wind speeds of only about 40-50 kilometers per hour,” explains Alexander Ohms of GeoSphere Austria in an interview with “Krone”. Peaks could have reached a maximum of 70 km/h. The meteorologist therefore suspects that the roof and trees may have been weakened by the previous stormy nights. It would have only taken a relatively weak gust of wind to cause major damage.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
