Inn levels in Tyrol cause concern, but situation remains calm for now

According to the state of Tyrol, the Inn water level could still rise to a 30-year flood (HW30). But the situation remained calm until the evening. As the data on the homepage of the state’s hydrographic service showed, there had been no significant rise in the Inn water level in Innsbruck or elsewhere since the morning. This meant that no further flood protection measures were necessary in the state capital for the time being. However, the focus in the evening was on the tributary Sill, as a city spokeswoman explained to the APA after a meeting of the operations management. If the Sill, like the Inn, reaches the five-year flood (HW5), the mobile flood protection system there could and will be activated within half an hour to three quarters of an hour, which is intended to prepare for impending flooding – as has already been the case in the past.

By the evening, however, there were no heavy rain showers in the state capital or in the rest of the country; the weather was partly cloudy and partly sunny with mild temperatures. No floods of any significant magnitude were reported either.

Everything in readiness

In Innsbruck, all emergency services were on standby and the number of personnel was increased. The forces were “ready for action” until 3 a.m. on Saturday, it was said. Flood protection such as sandbags for potentially endangered areas such as St. Nikolaus and Pradl were prepared, but not yet set up. That will only happen when the water level of the Inn actually reaches the mark of a 30-year flood.

“We are asking the population to keep a close eye on the weather in general, to move movable objects from outside to inside, and to close doors and windows,” said Innsbruck’s mayor Johannes Anzengruber (JA – Jetzt Innsbruck). Caution is advised when spending time outdoors and in nature. Hurricane-force gusts could cause trees to fall over. People should also stay away from the banks of the Inn and Sill.

Situation is being closely monitored

The situation was also being closely monitored by the state. It cannot be ruled out that streams will overflow their banks in some areas of the feeder rivers. However, the precipitation forecasts are highly uncertain due to the complex weather situation, it was stressed. The situation will continue to be closely monitored and the situation will be reassessed on an ongoing basis.

Currently, up to 80 liters of precipitation per square meter are forecast – the rain could be even heavier locally, the state announced. According to current information, another storm front is also expected overnight into Sunday. “This combination can potentially lead to a sharp rise in the water levels of rivers, particularly in the Tyrolean Oberland,” Markus Federspiel, head of the water management department, was quoted as saying.

Thunderstorm warning

In Tyrol, a thunderstorm warning was issued for Friday in some areas and warnings were given of severe storms. On Thursday, Geosphere Austria declared the warning level “orange” based on current forecasts, the third highest on the four-level scale. In a press release from the state, the central Innsbruck area and the Tyrolean lowlands were named as the areas most affected. Large hail, heavy gales and hurricane-force gusts and heavy rain are possible there.

“Potential dangers during thunderstorms include falling branches or falling trees. There is also an increased risk of accidents in road traffic – for example due to strong crosswinds or aquaplaning and poor visibility,” warned the head of the Tyrolean Center for Crisis and Disaster Management, Elmar Rizzoli. He also appealed to the population to keep an eye on local weather developments and react accordingly.

Meanwhile, heavy thunderstorms were also expected in South Tyrol in the afternoon and evening, some of which could be severe. Heavy rain, hail and gusts of wind were particularly possible in the evening and the first half of the night. Even on Saturday, some heavy thunderstorms could not be ruled out. Rockfalls, tree falls and small-scale flooding could occur, the state said.