Storm Ziros shocks Potsdam: One dead and 500 fire brigade missions!

Storm Ziros shocks Potsdam: One dead and 500 fire brigade missions!

On Monday, June 26, 2025, storm “Ziros” caused devastating consequences in both Brandenburg and Berlin. One tragic death and numerous injuries were recorded, while over 500 fire brigade operations were necessary to deal with the damage. The operations also included a fatal incident in the Spandau Forest, where a tree fell on a car. The storm brought wind speeds of up to 108 km/h, which corresponds to force 11. This was reported by, among others rbb24.

In Potsdam on Thursday, a 57-year-old was hit by a fallen tree - a terrible event that illustrates the dramatic nature of the weather situation. The violent gusts of wind not only caused fallen trees, but also disrupted rail traffic and several fires, which were probably caused by lightning strikes. The exact number of damages caused is still being determined, but initial estimates suggest several hundred incidents. The German Weather Service (DWD) issued a warning of severe squalls as early as 9:53 a.m. on Monday, but questions arose about the quality of the forecast.

Misjudgments and criticism

The Berlin Senator for the Interior Iris Spranger (SPD) said in a video conference that she expected a “misjudgment” by the DWD. According to the maz online The fire brigade was in a state of emergency as operations continued incessantly. The DWD is trying to defend itself against these allegations. Thomas Endrulat, the head of the Potsdam branch, explained that the institution only provides predictions and does not take any measures of its own. He also emphasized the citizens' personal responsibility in dealing with the warnings.

The DWD warnings follow strict guidelines: They require an assessment of the severity of the event, the time period and the region affected. Predictions for dangerous storms could be made a maximum of a day in advance, while thunderstorm warnings can often only be given hours in advance. This methodology leaves room for surprises, like the weakening thunderstorm that subsided off Berlin and led to catastrophic consequences.

Storm warnings at a glance

The Severe Weather Center offers a comprehensive overview of severe weather warnings in Germany, from storms to heavy rain, thunderstorms and black ice. The DWD gives its warnings a clear structure: severe weather warnings are divided into four levels, from general warnings to “extreme storms”. There are advance warnings, which can be issued up to 48 hours in advance, and acute warnings, which confirm the occurrence of a natural hazard.

The storm “Ziros” left clear traces in many regions and raised questions about weather forecast supervision. The need for rapid action and sufficient warnings continues to be debated as affected communities now grapple with the consequences of this unpredictable weather event.