Heavy storms cause trouble in parts of Austria

Thunderstorms and heavy rain over the past few days have caused significant damage and required large-scale clean ups in parts of Austria, with meteorologists warning on Tuesday the worst was not yet over.

The south-western state of Tyrol was the worst hit with insurance companies estimating the damage at over 1.3 million U.S. dollars. Houses have reportedly been covered with mud, gravel and soil up to the first floor, while roads were swept away and buildings surrounded by mudflows.

Upper Austria was also hard hit, with 1,500 firefighters working overnight Tuesday to contain flooding, and clear fallen trees on roads, many of which had to be closed.

Authorities reported a similar situation in the states of Lower Austria and Salzburg.

The Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) stated Tuesday it expects heavy showers, thunderstorms, and even hail to continue up to the weekend, even in areas that have up to now been unaffected. Endit