"Doreen" is quite a force

Severe weather over Vienna: Song Contest Village evacuated

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

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. The same was true in the evening: In Vienna, the Eurovision Village even had to be evacuated, while elsewhere hailstones are already being counted...

The first showers had already passed through the north and Vorarlberg in the morning, and as the day progressed, rain, showers, and thunderstorms quickly spread across the entire country. Only the far southeast remained spared for the time being—it wasn’t until this evening that conditions there turned unpleasant...

Highest warning level for large parts of Lower Austria
While the Severe Weather Center had already issued the highest red alert level for several regions in the afternoon, the situation continued to worsen nationwide in the evening: In Tyrol, Lower Austria, Vienna, Styria, and also in Burgenland, severe thunderstorms with hail are expected. Severe weather is also affecting Carinthia. Vorarlberg, Salzburg, and Upper Austria remain spared for now—only a preliminary warning is in effect there.

Great disappointment among ESC fans
Due to heavy rain on Monday, Vienna’s City Hall Square also had to be evacuated. The Eurovision Village—the official party location for the 70th Song Contest—had only opened there on Sunday. “Due to the current weather situation, 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 is widespread. No concerts will take place on Monday.

An apocalyptic mood hangs over the rooftops of Vienna: Here, “Doreen” is once again causing a violent thunderstorm on Monday evening. The ESC Village also had to be evacuated.(Bild: Kronen Zeitung, Stadt Wien)

“Pray for better weather”
The “ESC Sing Along” in front of the Vienna Volksoper turned into more of a “Swim Along” that evening: Despite the euphoric atmosphere and a crowd singing along loudly, the open-air event had to be cut short due to a violent storm. Particularly symbolic: it was during Johnny Logan’s ESC 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.”

Meanwhile, the first live show kicks off at the Wiener Stadthalle at 9 p.m.—many fans had arrived in the pouring rain starting at 6 p.m. when doors opened. Although rain ponchos had been handed out, numerous visitors will likely have to enjoy the Evening Preview Show of the first semifinal completely soaked.

Disappointment among ESC fans: Due to the severe thunderstorm, the area in front of City Hall Square had to be cleared.(Bild: Stefan Steinkogler)

Significantly colder and windier starting Tuesday
Tuesday will also show its harsh side. It will be significantly colder and windy. From Vorarlberg to Styria, it will often remain cloudy and wet, with heavy rain at times in the south. Hail and gusty winds 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.