Catastrophic flooding has killed at least 19 people and forced thousands to evacuate from their homes in Central and Eastern Europe, where more severe weather is expected this week.

       Floods or heavy snow have hit Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. In some areas, waters receded as of Tuesday, leaving behind destroyed homes and debris, while other cities shored up defenses as the Danube river continued to rise. Some leaders canceled official plans to deal with emergency operations.