The heat of the past few days has caused a lot of melt water in Tyrol and heavy thunderstorms and storms are also forecast from Friday. In Innsbruck, for example, the Inn has already passed the five-year flood limit before a single drop of rain has fallen. Protective measures are now being taken. The country is also alarmed.
The Inn’s water level was already at HW5 – the value for a statistically five-year flood – early on Friday morning. “In the afternoon hours, due to a severe weather warning, severe storms up to hurricane force and heavy rain can be expected in some areas, including the central area of Innsbruck. An increase in water levels to HW30 is possible,” the city warned in a press release.
Community activities management meets
Those responsible were warned and would immediately take the first flood protection measures. Community operations management will meet over lunch to discuss further steps.
Increased caution outdoors
“We are already asking the population to keep a close eye on the weather situation in general, to transport moveable objects from outside to inside and to close doors and windows,” said Mayor Johannes Anzengruber.
Caution is also advised when spending time outdoors and in nature: “Hurricane winds can cause trees to fall. Please stay away from the banks of the Inn and Sill,” the city boss continued.
Country also warns of floods and storms
The state of Tyrol is also alarmed because of the forecasts and water levels. A thunderstorm warning had already been issued for Friday. Geosphere Austria has issued an ‘orange’ warning level, the third highest on the four-level scale. According to forecasts, the main affected areas are the central area of Innsbruck and the Tyrolean lowlands. “Large hail and severe storms up to hurricane force and heavy rain are possible in some areas.”
HW30 or even more possible
In terms of flooding, the Inn, the Sanna, the Ötztaler Ache and the Sill and its tributaries are at risk. Depending on the course of the storms, thirty floods (HW30) or even more are possible every year.
Possible storms could also lead to local power outages, road closures or delays and disruptions to public transport.
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.
