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PHOTOS: Budapest braces for flood surge as severe storms hit the region
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Budapest is preparing for a significant flood surge, with the Danube’s water levels expected to rise dramatically in the coming days. According to the National Water Forecasting Service (Országos Vízjelző Szolgálat), starting Monday, the river’s water level will increase by roughly one meter per day, surpassing 800 cm by midweek. Current data shows the river’s level at 250 cm, and it’s predicted to reach as high as 850 cm, potentially triggering third-degree flood alerts. For comparison, the highest water level ever recorded was 891 cm.
Budapest to see restrictions due to the flood situation
Given these projections, authorities are considering closing off Margitsziget (Margaret Island) to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic, Portfolio reports. The lower embankment of the Pest side will likely be submerged by 17 September, while other sections, including the Buda side, will be closed from 8 PM on 16 September.
This surge comes after days of severe weather across Austria and parts of Central Europe. Heavy rainfall has caused significant flooding, particularly in Lower Austria and Burgenland. The storms have now reached western Hungary, prompting the Hungarian Meteorological Service (HungaroMet) to issue an orange alert for Sunday, warning of wind gusts reaching 110 km/h in some areas, Portfolio writes in another article.
Flooding in Austria
In Austria, the Lainsitz River has overflowed, flooding roads and disrupting train services between Amstetten and St. Valentin. Vienna has also faced challenges, with partial closures on metro lines due to water entering tunnels. Emergency evacuations are underway, and the Austrian army has been deployed to assist, Die Presse reports.
Es ist soweit: Erste Flüsse in Niederösterreich überschreiten nun die 30-jährliche Hochwassermarke – etwa die Lainsitz im Waldviertel.
Und die kommenden 48 Stunden bringen gerade im Osten noch einmal extreme Niederschlagsmengen.
(Bilder: Stadtgemeinde Weitra) pic.twitter.com/ZfekYSLqPt— wetterblog.at (@wetterblogAT) September 14, 2024
