Weather Warning Germany: How to React Correctly to Storms, Severe Weather & Thunderstorms

An official weather warning is more than just a bad forecast—it's an important alert about a potential danger. In Germany, the German Weather Service (DWD) issues these warnings to protect the public from the effects of extreme weather events. Understanding what these warnings mean and how to react is crucial for your safety.

The Warning Levels: From Yellow to Purple

The DWD warnings are color-coded to quickly show the intensity of the danger. Our app adopts this system to inform you directly.

• Level 1 (Yellow) - Weather Warning: Warns of weather conditions that could become dangerous. This is an alert for increased awareness. Example: Wind gusts up to 60 km/h.
• Level 2 (Orange) - Significant Weather Warning: Warns of dangerous weather. Minor damage may occur. You should be prepared and take precautions. Example: Storms, heavy rain, or snowfall.
• Level 3 (Red) - Severe Weather Warning: Warns of a serious threat with the potential for major damage. There is a risk to life and limb. Being outdoors should be avoided. Example: Severe storm, hurricane-force gusts, intense heavy rain.
• Level 4 (Purple) - Extreme Severe Weather Warning: This is the highest level and is rarely issued. It warns of an extreme danger that can have catastrophic consequences. Follow the instructions of the authorities without fail.

Rules of Conduct for the Most Common Warnings

Thunderstorm Warning (usually Orange or Red)

Thunderstorms are localized but extremely dangerous due to lightning, heavy rain, hail, and storm gusts.

• Seek immediate shelter: The safest place is a solid building or a closed vehicle. Avoid open terrain, hills, isolated trees, and water.
• The 30-30 Rule: Count the seconds between the lightning flash and the thunder. If it's less than 30 seconds, the storm is dangerously close. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going outside again.
• Outdoors: If no shelter is reachable, crouch down, put your feet close together, and avoid contact with the ground with your hands.

Storm Warning (usually Orange to Red)

The main danger in a storm comes from flying objects and falling trees.

• At home: Secure all loose items in the garden or on the balcony (furniture, trampolines, flower pots). Close all windows and doors securely.
• On the go: Absolutely avoid forests, parks, and avenues. Keep a distance from buildings, scaffolding, and power lines. In a car, drive particularly slowly and cautiously, being aware of crosswinds on bridges.

Heavy Rain Warning (usually Yellow to Red)

Heavy rain can lead to local flooding (flash floods), especially in urban areas.

• Avoid danger zones: Stay away from underpasses, underground garages, and basements. Never drive into a flooded street—the water depth is impossible to estimate.
• Protect your home from water: Check backflow valves and secure valuable items in basement rooms.

Where to Find the Warnings?

Our app prominently displays active warnings for your location on the home page. A click gives you detailed information. Always take these warnings seriously. They are not meant to cause panic but to enable you to protect yourself and others through proactive action.