Due to the continuous heavy rain, the risk of flooding in Tyrol is increasing enormously. The first rivers and streams have already reached a dangerously high water level on Monday. Some streets had to be closed. Numerous firefighting operations are already underway. GeoSphere Austria has issued a red alert for some valleys!
In Huben in Längenfeld, the Ötztaler Ache reached the level of a 100-year flood on Monday morning. In some places the water has already overflowed its banks, the B186 Ötztal Straße between Sölden and Tumpen had to be closed. The duration of the ban is unpredictable.
Alert level red in some valleys
Based on current information and forecast models, GeoSphere Austria has issued the morning rain warning “red” (level 4 of 4) for the regions of Ötztal, Stubaital, Wipptal and the rear Zillertal.
At level 4, a high risk of mud and landslides and flooding can be assumed. According to the state, disruptions to rail and road traffic are also possible.
“All the more we appeal to the population to follow the behavioral advice and any instructions from the authorities. In particular, keep your distance from bodies of water and flooded areas,” said Elmar Rizzoli, head of the country’s Center for Crisis and Disaster Management.
The water is already high and it continues to rain
The flood warning issued by the state on Sunday – the entire course of the Inn from the Oberland to the Unterland and its tributaries in the Tyrolean Oberland, the Sill and the Ziller – is particularly affected – is still valid.
“For example, the water levels of the Ötztaler Ache near Tumpen, the Krössbach and the Valserbach near St. Jodok am Brenner have reached levels that only occur once every thirty years. An HQ100 has already been recorded on the Ötztaler Ache in Huben in the Ötztal,” continues Rizzoli.
The precipitation also continues throughout the day, the snowfall is higher than assumed in the first models, which means that less water can be stored as snow at high altitudes. “It is therefore necessary to be extremely careful,” emphasizes Rizzoli.
Probably don’t calm down until Tuesday
According to current information from GeoSphere, the situation should not calm down until Tuesday. Rizzoli recommends “constantly monitor the weather situation – especially in the affected areas – and monitor the water levels”.
Firefighting work is already underway
Firefighting operations were already underway in various parts of Tyrol on Monday morning – partly due to water damage. Preparations were already made for a possible flood last weekend. As a precaution, members of the volunteer fire brigade of Tulfes set up flood protection on Sunday afternoon at the underpass of the highway towards the Inn to protect the inhabitants of the Volderwald against the risk of flooding.
Source: Krone
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