Services in Austria put on alert

The Genoese low approaching Poland also poses a threat to residents of Austria. The services there are on alert. According to forecasters, in the coming days, some regions of the country are expected to experience up to three times more rainfall than is usual for the entire month of September.

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Fire departments across the country are preparing for a dangerous situation. Heavy rainfall is expected in many areas until Monday. According to forecasts, 150 to 200 liters per square meter should fall during this period. Hurricane-force winds are also expected. It is possible that in some regions rainfall will exceed 200 liters per square meter. Heavy rain is also expected in Vienna.

Orange warnings for heavy rain are in effect almost everywhere in the country. In some places, like in the regions of northeastern Austria, the warnings are even red.

Due to the threat of flooding, the city of Villach has already closed the cycle path along the Drava River as a precautionary measure. Energy supplier Verbund has lowered the water level in its reservoirs by about a metre since yesterday to make room for the expected large amounts of rain.

According to local media, the fire department in the town of Spitz an der Donau is already preparing flood protection. In 2002, the region was hit by a catastrophic flood.

– The year 2002 was an important turning point after the flood, which we absolutely do not want to experience again – said Martin Bruckner, who was affected by the effects of this element several decades ago.

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