Heavy rains and storms swept across Austria over the weekend, causing widespread flooding, mudslides, and significant disruptions to transportation in various regions of the country.
In the picturesque ski resort town of St. Anton, located in the western Austrian state of Tyrol, torrential downpours on Friday evening inundated streets, damaged buildings, and swept away cars, according to reports from Austrian broadcaster ORF. Local authorities have initiated extensive cleanup efforts, which continued into Sunday as residents grappled with the aftermath of the sudden deluge.
The capital city of Vienna was not spared from the severe weather, experiencing heavy rains on Saturday that led to unprecedented rainfall levels. Vienna recorded an astounding 110 liters of rain per square meter, a record-breaking figure for summer rainfall as reported by Austrian newspaper Kurier. The extreme conditions resulted in a tragic incident where a woman was swept under a bus by floodwaters in the Döbling district, sustaining severe injuries, ORF reported.
The inclement weather also had a profound impact on transportation. Major delays were reported at Vienna Airport over the weekend, causing inconvenience for travelers. Additionally, rain-triggered mudslides forced the closure of the Arlberg Pass, a critical roadway connecting the western states of Tyrol and Vorarlberg. As of Sunday afternoon, the pass remained closed to traffic, further isolating communities and complicating travel plans.
Austrian authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with meteorologists cautioning that more adverse weather could be on the horizon. Residents and visitors are advised to stay informed about local conditions and heed safety warnings as cleanup and recovery efforts proceed.
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Heavy rainfall causes flooding, traffic disruptions in Austria
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