The heavy, persistent rain is currently causing the water bodies in Austria to rise threateningly. Warnings are being issued for flash floods and severe flooding. In addition, the snow line continues to drop. In Upper Carinthia, it was already white at 880 meters. Railways and roads are already closed and there are also delays in air traffic. Now the federal capital also advises: “Avoid unnecessary travel!”
The heavy rain causes one disappointing news after another: first the annual “Aufsteirern” in the center of Graz was canceled, now it is also time to wait at the airport in Vienna. Anyone who wants to escape the cold now must expect delays.
Flight delays at Vienna airport
“Due to the current bad weather conditions at several European locations and in Vienna, there are currently isolated delays in air traffic from Vienna,” said Vienna Airport in Schwechat (Bruck an der Leitha district).
Avoid train and car travel
For drivers, the chances are even greater. According to ÖAMTC, snow and rain, fallen trees and stuck vehicles also led to several road closures. On Thursday, ASFINAG called for unnecessary journeys to be postponed. With the storm, the risk of accidents increases enormously.
The same applies to rail traffic: on Friday evening, the train connection between Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein in Salzburg was closed. The Austrian Federal Railways are also calling for this: “Postpone train journeys!” Further closures and restrictions are certainly possible. Finally, the DDSG Blue Danube also had to stop scheduled shipping in the coming days due to the extreme weather conditions and the expected rise in the Danube river level.
Geosphere Austria also warned of flooding and mudslides on Friday due to the extreme amounts of rain and snow. In the higher areas there may be snowfall with problems on the traffic routes and power connections.
No excursions on sidewalks or bike paths!
The city of Vienna has even advised people in general to “avoid unnecessary travel and only stay in public spaces if necessary and only for a short time.” Streams – the Liesing and the Vienna River – can quickly swell and flood bank areas.
The city therefore strongly advises against excursions on the sidewalks and cycle paths along the streams and in the forest and to stay at home in case of heavy rain and gusts of wind.
No major disruptions to public transport are expected
However, it is unlikely that major disruptions will occur on the Wiener Linien. The heavy rainfall has not yet led to major disruptions to public transport. The reason for this may have been the intensive preparation for the rainy weekend.
Keep valuables safe
Wiener Städtische recommends taking protective measures and keeping your belongings safe. “Damage to buildings can be avoided or at least limited by preventive measures. We advise all homeowners and tenants to take precautions while it is still possible. The most important thing, however, is that you do not risk your own life under any circumstances,” says Doris Wendler, director of the Vienna City Council. She advises to secure furniture, valuables and important documents and to move the car out of the danger zone.
Focus on Monday in Vienna
According to Geosphere Austria, the rain on Friday and Saturday will be the most in the area from Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland via Upper Austria, most of Salzburg and Upper Styria to the Tyrolean lowlands. According to the current forecast, the rain will decrease in western Austria on Sunday, while it will continue to rain, sometimes heavily, in the north and east. On Monday, the focus of the rain will be in the area from Vienna and Eisenstadt to Salzburg. According to meteorologists, a total of 100 to 200 millimeters of rain will fall in most of Austria from Friday to Tuesday.
It is also advisable to follow current warnings and recommendations from local authorities and stay away from rivers, streams and other bodies of water that could quickly overflow their banks.
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.
