After supercell over Vienna: Further storm gusts exceeding 100 km/h expected

Initial situation: Supercell moved over Vienna

The current weather situation follows a supercell that moved across Vienna on Thursday and caused damage and flooding in parts of the city. Emergency services were in continuous operation, several basements were pumped out, and fallen trees blocked streets. The fire department called on the population to avoid leaving their homes unnecessarily and to stay away from low-lying areas.

Authorities also issued warnings of local severe weather in the federal states of Carinthia, Lower Austria, Tyrol, and Vorarlberg. The severe weather center UWZ expected thunderstorms in several regions that could merge into larger complexes. In East Tyrol and parts of Carinthia, the first severe thunderstorms were already recorded in the afternoon.

Affected regions and other federal states

According to GeoSphere Austria's models, the situation along the northern side of the Alps as well as in the greater Vienna area will remain tense into the night. The southwesterly flow is transporting moist and energy-rich air masses directly into eastern Austria, favoring the formation of further supercells. Meteorologists speak of a classic severe thunderstorm situation in which individual cells can quickly grow into organized systems.

The meteorologists also pointed to a second wave of thunderstorms that could move in from Italy in the second half of the night. Should this line cross the Alps, local gusts exceeding 100 km/h would be possible again. Hail with grain sizes over two centimeters would then also not be ruled out.

Impact on traffic and travel

Road users must expect disruptions. ÖBB and ASFINAG announced that, if necessary, route closures or speed limits would be imposed on highways. Vienna Airport preemptively announced possible flight delays and asked passengers to check with their airlines.

According to GeoSphere Austria, the warnings are in effect at least until Friday morning. Only during the course of the morning is the air pressure expected to rise and the thunderstorm tendency to gradually subside. Until then, authorities recommend securing loose objects outdoors, keeping windows and doors closed, and staying away from open bodies of water.

Insurers expect initial claims for damages in the coming days. Based on experience from previous years, severe thunderstorms in Austria cause damages amounting to millions annually, particularly from hail damage to vehicles and buildings, as well as from storm gusts tearing off roofs.

Tips from authorities and insurers

Citizens can continuously inform themselves about current warnings via GeoSphere Austria's warning page and via the Unwetterzentrale UWZ app.

Live images of the thunderstorm cells are broadcast by the TV livestream OE24. The broadcast showed the course of the supercell over Vienna and the surrounding area on Thursday afternoon. Interested parties can follow the path of the thunderstorm front in real time via the platform.