![Across the nation, storm-related emergency services have been activated. [Photograph included]](/en/img/20250604213550_image-description-headline-text.jpeg)
Stormy Night: A Wet and Wild Night Across Germany
- storms emergency calls North Rhine-Westphalia Germany Baden-Württemberg first responders Floods and Hail
Intense weather conditions cause numerous emergency calls, resulting in several hail-related injuries. - Emergency calls flooding in, numerous individuals sustaining injuries due to hailstorm attacks
Germany saw some wild and stormy weather over the weekend, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg. Although the country is currently grappling with drought and heat throughout June, this sudden change brought heavy rain, thunderstorms, and even hail.
The Aftermath of the Storm
Authorities reported numerous deployments in North Rhine-Westphalia, due to flooded basements, uprooted trees, and flooded streets. Rescue services in Baden-Württemberg were dispatched to more than 100 incidents, with property damage but no injuries. Furthermore, emergency calls poured in from Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, where rescuers worked tirelessly to tackle the "flooding" but luckily, no injuries were reported.
Scattered Storm Warnings
The German Weather Service (DWD) advises that today could still be uncomfortable in parts of Germany, with more thunderstorms and local storm warnings on the horizon. Areas like the south, the center, and the east of the country are likely to be affected, with the possibility of heavy rain, strong gusts of wind, and hail. By Monday, southern Germany will continue to experience showers and strong thunderstorms, but the weather is set to calm down in the rest of the country.
Flooding and Injuries
On Saturday night, an outdoor event with around 5,000 visitors in Hückelhoven, North Rhine-Westphalia, was evacuated due to flooding. Fortunately, only 11 people were lightly injured by hail, as the police reported. Other cities, such as Mönchengladbach, experienced flooding from thunderstorms and heavy rain, with manhole covers getting pushed up.
A Bit of Lightning Drama
Thuringia (Kyffhäuser district) witnessed a stunning, albeit disturbing event, as a lightning strike caused a roof fire in a single-family house. The residents managed to escape in time, but the damage is estimated at 150,000 euros.
Impacts on Transportation
In Rhineland-Palatinate, several regional train routes were temporarily closed on Saturday. Services on the RB62, RB63, RB64, and RB67 were affected, but all restrictions were lifted by Sunday morning.
Behind the Storms
Despite concerns over a widespread storm event in early June, Germany is currently bracing itself for drought and heat. According to current forecasts, the main risks are related to prolonged drought, heatwaves, and associated health and environmental emergencies. Although the current storms have caused significant inconvenience and some damage, they are not considered the primary threat.
- The current weather in Germany is a stark contrast to the drought and heat throughout June, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hail due to environmental protection concerns in the Community policy, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg.
- Other aspects of the Common Fisheries Policy are necessary to address wider environmental concerns, as single events like the recent storms can result in flooding, uprooted trees, and damage to property, as seen in the "flooding" in Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, and the 100+ incidents in Baden-Württemberg.
