New Online Portal Launched to Warn Against Natural Hazards

The German Weather Service (DWD) has introduced an innovative online platform designed to consolidate current warnings regarding weather and natural hazards. The initiative aims to enhance public preparedness for extreme weather events.

This new Natural Hazards Portal is a response to the growing need for awareness and self-protection among the populace. It features a variety of meteorological data, including information about precipitation, hail, icy conditions, and heatwaves.

The core of the portal is an interactive map of Germany that displays real-time alerts. For instance, on April 11, warnings were issued for ground frost in many areas of southern Germany. In the vicinity of Leipzig, technical issues were reported at a wind turbine, advising residents to exercise caution in the area. Additionally, warnings for strong winds reaching up to 60 kilometers per hour were issued for the North and Baltic Seas, alongside alerts for storm surges.

The development of this portal was prompted by the DWD's recognition of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to climate change. The devastating floods in the Ahr Valley in 2021, which resulted in numerous fatalities and significant property damage, underscored the critical need for preventive measures and reliable information.

In 2024, Central Europe experienced yet another series of extreme rainfall events. In September, large swathes of Germany, Poland, and Austria faced widespread flooding, affecting around two million individuals, with at least 17 fatalities reported. Southern Germany was repeatedly impacted by flooding events throughout the year.

Research conducted by the DWD has indicated an acceleration of climate change in Germany. Alongside heatwaves posing increased risks to vulnerable populations, the country is seeing more frequent and severe weather phenomena such as heavy rainfall and droughts, leading to both flooding and water scarcity.

According to Tobias Fuchs, a DWD board member for climate and environment, the consequences of warming oceans and increased evaporation are evident. Warmer seas produce more water vapor, which contributes to catastrophic heavy rainfall and persistent precipitation.

The Natural Hazards Portal serves as a central platform that consolidates current alerts, scientifically grounded analyses, and forecasts regarding weather and natural hazards in Germany. The DWD emphasizes that it not only makes information readily accessible but also presents it in an understandable format.

Launched on April 11, this portal aims to better prepare the German population for natural hazards and extreme weather incidents. It can be accessed online and was developed by the DWD in collaboration with federal and state authorities, as well as other organizations, to inform individuals about potential hazards in their vicinity effectively.

As stated by a DWD representative, mere alerts are insufficient; they must be comprehended and appropriately contextualized to facilitate effective responses and timely actions.

The portal currently includes warnings for various hazards, such as weather alerts for thunderstorms, heavy rain, and heat, as well as flood warnings from all federal states via the cross-state flood portal (LHP). Additionally, it provides storm surge warnings from the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) and alerts from the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) through the Modular Warning System (MoWaS).

Looking ahead, the portal is set to expand its offerings to encompass additional natural hazards, including ozone pollution, wildfires, droughts, avalanches, and earthquakes.