South Arz region's railways inundated, prompting the usage of buses as alternative transportation
Heavy Rain Causes Disruptions in Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt
A low-pressure system west of Scotland is bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms to parts of Germany, particularly in Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt, causing disruptions to railway services and flooding.
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a warning for heavy thunderstorms with heavy rain in many parts of Thuringia on Thursday. As a result, occasional heavy rain is expected, which may lead to rapid flooding of roads and underpasses, and aquaplaning. The DWD has also warned of the risk of fallen trees and objects due to the thunderstorms.
Heavy rain has flooded a railway crossing in Roßla, Saxony-Anhalt, causing delays on the Halle-Kassel and Halle-Leinefelde (RE8/RE9) routes, as well as Sangerhausen-Heiligenstadt (RB57). Only Abellio services are affected in passenger traffic. No personal injuries have been reported due to the heavy rain and flooding.
Clearance work on the track is still ongoing, with firefighters supporting Deutsche Bahn in the clearance work overnight. Employees of the municipality and the Südharz wastewater association are also on site for the clearance work.
Services between Halle and Kassel are affected by the closure, and buses have been running as a replacement between Sangerhausen and Nordhausen since 8:30 am. The tracks at this crossing are currently closed due to mud and debris.
According to DWD forecasts, the rain should gradually ease off by the evening on Thursday. However, there is still a risk of lightning strikes, occasional falling trees and objects, and hail on Thursday.
The search results do not provide information about the name of the organization currently working on cleaning the railway line in Roßla. No estimate is currently possible for when the tracks can be reopened, and freight traffic is currently being rerouted.
Heavy rain is expected again in Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt on Thursday, so travellers are advised to check the latest updates before setting out on their journey.
