The Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) announced at 5am on Thursday that the overall impact of last night’s weather has been relatively light, with only a few reports of flooded basements and fallen trees. On Wednesday, a red alert had been issued due to severe rainfall and flood risks across the country.
Shortly before midnight on Wednesday, water gauges in certain areas had already surpassed the alert threshold, and this trend persisted overnight. Some gauging stations along the Attert, Alzette, and the Sûre have thus been at risk of significant rises in water levels.
In Bissen, although roads remained clear of flooding, the municipality has been preparing for potential rising water levels. Similarly, in Ettelbruck, municipal teams worked to secure the construction site around the ‘am Däich’ car park, with the -1 level being closed. However, as of 8.45pm on Wednesday, the Alzette river had not risen above its banks.
Peak water levels in the country’s rivers are expected on Thursday morning between 6am and 12pm. In the northwest, due to ongoing rainfall, it is anticipated that the Atert and Eisch gauging stations might reach or exceed the alert level, which in return might lead to high water levels in Mersch and Ettelbrück.
According to current models, the Sûre is also expected to exceed the alarm threshold in Diekirch and Bollendorf-Pont on Thursday morning. However, for the stations in Hesperange, Pafendall, and Steinsel, it is unlikely that this will occur.
Authorities are urging citizens to monitor the flood situation and water levels on inondations.lu and weather forecasts on meteolux.lu. People are also advised to avoid affected areas and respect road closures and detours that have been set up.
From Thursday morning onwards, rainfall is expected to gradually taper off. Despite the easing weather, traffic disruptions are likely in several areas, and drivers are advised to exercise caution and adjust their driving behaviour accordingly. The flood alert is expected to remain in place until midnight.
Initial precautionary measures have already been implemented. In Diekirch, the National Roads Administration loosened the Pontoon Bridge on Tuesday evening due to rising water levels. According to an announcement from the municipality on Facebook, this precautionary step is taken before the water level reaches 2.5 metres, as it becomes impossible to loosen the bridge beyond that point. The bridge will be re-secured once water levels drop to a manageable height.
