Weather Service Warns of Thunderstorms in Saxony-Anhalt

The German Weather Service issued an official warning on Sunday morning for severe thunderstorms in parts of Saxony-Anhalt, cautioning residents about heavy rain, hail and strong gusts through at least 10:30 a.m. local time.

The warning covered the Harz district, Altmarkkreis Salzwedel, Salzlandkreis, Jerichower Land, Mansfeld-South Harz, the Börde district and the city of Stendal.

Hazards cited by the DWD

The DWD said the storms could bring 25 liters of rain per square meter in a short period, and in isolated areas as much as 40 liters. It also warned of hail, gusts reaching 80 km/h, lightning, falling objects, and the risk of trees toppling over.

Forecasters also warned of flooded roads and underpasses, as well as aquaplaning and related traffic disruptions.

Weather pattern across the east

According to a DWD spokesman in Leipzig, the moist, humid air mass had the potential to produce strong thunderstorms that could develop into severe weather.

The expected focus of the storms was in Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia through midday, before the activity was expected to shift later toward Brandenburg and Saxony.

The warning came on a hot, muggy early summer day across eastern Germany, where temperatures were already well above 30 degrees in some places and the atmosphere was primed for storm development.