Budapest Preparing for Flood Surge Amid Severe Storms
Budapest is bracing for a significant flood surge as the Danube’s water levels are expected to rise dramatically in the coming days. According to the National Water Forecasting Service (Országos Vízjelző Szolgálat), the river’s water level will increase by approximately one meter per day starting Monday, surpassing 800 cm by midweek. Currently, the river’s level is at 250 cm, with predictions indicating it could reach as high as 850 cm, potentially triggering third-degree flood alerts. The highest water level ever recorded was 891 cm.
In light of these projections, authorities are considering closing off Margitsziget (Margaret Island) to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic, as reported by Portfolio. The lower embankment of the Pest side is expected to be submerged by 17 September, with other sections, including the Buda side, closing from 8 PM on 16 September.
The surge follows days of severe weather across Austria and parts of Central Europe, with heavy rainfall causing significant flooding. Lower Austria and Burgenland have been particularly impacted, and the storms have now reached western Hungary. The Hungarian Meteorological Service (HungaroMet) has issued an orange alert for Sunday, warning of wind gusts up to 110 km/h in some areas.
In Austria, the Lainsitz River has overflowed, leading to road closures and disruptions in 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, with the Austrian army deployed to assist, according to The press.
Forecasts indicate a reduction in rainfall in Austria over the next few days, but strong winds continue to hamper recovery efforts. Wind speeds have reached up to 121 km/h in some regions, especially in higher elevations like the Rax mountain station.
In Czechia, tens of thousands of people are being evacuated due to flooding, with nearly 3,000 individuals leaving their homes in the Moravian-Silesian region and thousands more evacuated from Opava. Both regions have declared states of emergency, and four people are reported missing. Heavy rain overnight into Sunday has raised concerns about water flows exceeding historical levels in some areas, with forecasts predicting more rain on Monday.
Residents in affected areas are advised to avoid travel until conditions improve. Stay tuned for further updates on the flood situation in Budapest and beyond.
