Storm Detlef: Chaos caused by wind and rain on the North and Baltic Seas!

Storm Detlef: Chaos caused by wind and rain on the North and Baltic Seas!

Storm “Detlef” is currently causing chaotic conditions in large parts of Europe, especially on the coasts of the North and Baltic Seas. As the daily news reported, many flights and ferry connections have been canceled. In Germany, the North and Baltic Sea islands are particularly hard hit, where strong squalls and heavy, continuous rain push the coastal regions to their limits. Within Saxony, the fire brigade had to be deployed to remove uprooted trees.

The situation remains tense, as the German Weather Service (DWD) warns not only of persistent rain, but also of severe thunderstorms. Speeds of up to 70 km/h can be expected in Berlin and Brandenburg. In North Rhine-Westphalia it could even be up to 85 km/h, while the Bavarian Alps are expecting gusts of up to 100 km/h. “Emir”, as the current hurricane is known internationally, is also on the rise in the Netherlands and Belgium and is causing similar warning levels.

Flight and ferry connections affected

Ferry operations in Germany are severely restricted. The following compounds are particularly affected:

• Alle Fahrten des “Halunder Jet” nach Helgoland am Samstag und Sonntag fallen aus.
• Keine Fährverbindungen zwischen Schlüttsiel und den Halligen am Sonntag.
• Das Unternehmen Scandlines hat alle Fahrten zwischen Rostock und Gedser am Sonntag abgesagt.
• Die Frisia-Fähren zwischen Norddeich und Norderney fahren im Pendelbetrieb.

Overall, travelers must expect changes to the timetable and possible cancellations on other routes. This not only affects the North Sea, but also the Baltic Sea, where gusts of up to 90 km/h are expected in places like Rügen.

This storm is not only evident in Germany, but also internationally. Around 80 incoming and 70 outgoing flights were canceled at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, many of them westbound. The hurricane is also causing chaos in Great Britain. Very high wind speeds must be expected, particularly in Cornwall and Devon, which can pose a threat to life from flying debris. Some ferry services in the English Channel have already been canceled, while parks in London have been closed as a precaution.

Damage and power outages

The impact is serious: one person died in Ireland and tens of thousands of households in Scotland are without power. Wind speeds of up to 160 km/h have massively affected the power supply there. There are also numerous power outages in Norway. The Berlin newspaper reports a general storm warning for the North and Baltic Sea coasts, which is expected to last until the weekend. Dense cloud cover and rain showers did the rest, meaning that outdoor activities in the affected regions often had to be canceled.

For many who are traveling or planning a trip, it is advisable to follow the weather warnings and information from the German Weather Service to be observed carefully. The current warnings are clearly displayed on the METEOALARM page and help to better assess dangerous situations.

The coming time could be turbulent, so keep your eyes open and keep an ear out for the latest weather forecasts! Stay safe and well informed!