Severe weather triggers numerous emergency calls in Saxony-Anhalt

Heavy thunderstorms swept through parts of Saxony-Anhalt on Friday afternoon, triggering a wave of emergency responses from fire and rescue services. Leitstellen reported at least 70 incidents across the region, primarily dealing with flooded basements, inundated streets, and trees or branches obstructing roadways.

The Burgenlandkreis region saw multiple weather-related calls, though specific numbers were not immediately available. In the Harz district, intense rainfall and hail caused significant disruptions. Streets in Derenburg were submerged following a downpour, prompting firefighters to clear roadways. Hail also fell in the area.

Further south, the B185 federal road in Ermsleben was flooded near Endorfer Street. In the Salzlandkreis, fallen trees blocked the road between Mehringen and Freckleben. The MDR weather service noted that Aschersleben received up to 62 liters of rain per square meter during the heavy downpour.

An accident occurred on the A36 highway near the Aschersleben Ost exit due to aquaplaning. Police confirmed a car with multiple occupants skidded while traveling towards Bernburg, but fortunately, no injuries resulted from the incident. Meanwhile, the Jerichower Land district remained calm despite weather warnings, with no reported storm-related emergencies.

The German Weather Service (DWD) had issued warnings for severe thunderstorms, including hurricane-force gusts, intense heavy rain, and hail, for several regions in Saxony-Anhalt. In Weißenfels, sirens alerted residents to the approaching storm, as confirmed by the Burgenlandkreis Leitstelle.