"Doreen" is quite a storm

Severe weather over Vienna: Song Contest Village evacuated

An apocalyptic atmosphere over the rooftops of Vienna: Here, “Doreen” caused another violent thunderstorm on Monday evening. The ESC Village also had to be evacuated.(Bild: Krone KREATIV/Kronen Zeitung, Imre Antal)

Austria is off to a turbulent start this week. Storm “Doreen,” with its center over Poland, caused several instances of severe weather throughout the day on Monday. This continued into the evening: In Vienna, the Eurovision Village even had to be evacuated.

The first showers had already passed through northern Austria and Vorarlberg in the morning, and as the day progressed, rain, showers, and thunderstorms quickly spread across the entire country. The highest warning level, red, was issued for several regions—including Lower Austria, as well as parts of Upper Austria, Styria, and Burgenland, where severe thunderstorms were expected. The capital city was not spared either.

Great disappointment among ESC fans
Due to the violent thunderstorm, which brought heavy rain and strong winds, even Vienna’s City Hall Square had to be evacuated. The Eurovision Village—the official party location for the 70th Song Contest—had only just opened there on Sunday.

“Due to the current weather conditions, we must end the program and take safety measures,” the City of Vienna announced in the evening. Visitors were asked to leave the area, and disappointment was widespread. No concerts will take place on Monday.

An apocalyptic atmosphere over the rooftops of Vienna: Here, “Doreen” brought a violent thunderstorm on Monday evening. The ESC Village also had to be evacuated.(Bild: Kronen Zeitung)

“Pray for better weather”
The “ESC Sing Along” in front of the Volksoper thus turned into more of a “Swim Along”: Despite the euphoric atmosphere and a crowd singing along loudly, the open-air event had to be cut short due to the storm. Particularly symbolic: it was during Johnny Logan’s Eurovision classic “Hold Me Now,” of all songs, that the technology finally failed amid lightning, thunder, and heavy rain. Artistic Director Lotte de Beer ended the event with an appeal: “Pray that we have better weather.”

On Monday evening, the Eurovision Village resembled a ghost town more than the well-attended party venue it had been the day before:

Meanwhile, the first live show kicks off at the Wiener Stadthalle at 9 p.m. Doors opened at 6 p.m.—and numerous fans were caught in the pouring rain. Although rain ponchos had been handed out, many visitors will likely have to enjoy the Evening Preview Show of the first semifinal soaking wet.

Significantly colder and windier starting Tuesday
Tuesday will also show its harsh side. It will be significantly colder and windier. From Vorarlberg to Styria, it will often remain cloudy and wet, with heavy rain at times in the south. Hail and squalls are also forecast for the Green Mark.

Snow line drops to 900 meters
Particularly noteworthy: The snow line in the Northern Alps will briefly drop to around 900 meters. Strong northwesterly winds will accompany this, with stormy gusts in some areas.

The situation will only slowly improve from the west in the afternoon; sunny breaks will reappear, especially in East Tyrol and Carinthia—accompanied by a strong north foehn. Temperatures will plummet, reaching only 7 to 14 degrees.

Ice Saints in their element
Wednesday will be more pleasant—but anyone who thinks the weather will settle down quickly is mistaken: the next surprise is on the way, as light frost may return to mountainous and hilly areas as the wind dies down. The Ice Saints will then be fully in their element.