A severe storm front swept over Vienna on August 17, 2024, causing widespread chaos and damage.

After a hot summer day, heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by hail and strong winds, led to the flooding of cellars and underpasses, severely impacting road traffic.

The fire department recorded over 300 call-outs, with the potential to break the all-time rainfall record.

The storm, originating from Hollabrunn in Lower Austria, moved across Vienna, prompting a red warning level in several regions.

Some drivers, caught off guard, stopped under bridges, causing traffic jams.

The storm also disrupted S-Bahn services and threatened structures like St.

Stephen's Cathedral.

Despite being well-prepared, the sheer number of incidents posed a significant challenge for emergency services.