Emergency responders called to action for storm-related incidents and deployments

Emergency Response: Required Deployment of Firefighters for Storm Duties

Germany has been hit by a series of severe thunderstorms, causing mayhem and chaos in various regions. From Saxony-Anhalt to Thuringia, firefighters have been called out to tackle the stormy conditions. Meanwhile, in the heart of Berlin, storm-related disruptions have left the entire S-Bahn network temporarily shut down.

The Tempest Takes Hold

In the afternoons and evenings, central Germany was severely impacted by thunderstorms. The weather brought forth a symphony of thunder, lightning, heavy rain, gusty winds, and hail. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), the risk of severe weather spans from the center to the eastern half, with the potential for storm-force gusts, hail with grain sizes up to three centimeters, and heavy rain of 25 liters per square meter in a short time. The Alps and the Alpine foothills were not left out either, bracing for heavy storms, hail, and heavy rain.

Storm Warnings and Aftermath

Several severe weather warnings have been issued for heavy storms with storm-force gusts across Saxony-Anhalt between 17:00 and 21:00. These storms were expected to move east towards Saxony, Berlin, and Brandenburg. Meanwhile, in southern Bavaria, there were warnings in place until around 16:30, with storms moving eastwards towards the evening.

Traffic Disruptions in the Capital

Berlin was not spared from the storm's wrath. The entire S-Bahn network was temporarily suspended due to weather-related disruptions. The cause was fallen trees, causing trains to stop in their tracks. Despite the chaos, clearance operations were underway, and services on the S45 and S46 lines resumed later in the evening. The S9 line, however, was only running between Berlin Brandenburg Airport and Treptower Park. Updates on the resumption of service on other lines were expected.

In neighboring Potsdam, a person suffered serious injuries from a falling tree branch. The police initially described the storm as relatively mild. However, this mildness does little to dampen the sheer intensity of the storm's impact.

Elsewhere in Germany

The picturesque region of Thuringia reported a tornado, with several trees uprooted. Erfurt, the capital city of Thuringia, also experienced numerous incidents, with several trees uprooted. In Hesse, several trees were uprooted, though damage appears to be limited according to preliminary reports.

A Word of Caution

During such intense thunderstorms, it's crucial to stay indoors to avoid injury from lightning, hail, and strong winds. Secure loose objects outside to prevent damage and avoid driving during heavy rainfall and hail to reduce the risk of accidents. Keep updated with local weather warnings from the DWD or other official sources to stay informed and safe.

Sources: ntv.de, jki/dpa

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[3]: Bürger, S., & Krause, S. (2025, May 31). Hailstorms in Swabia: Over a hundred farmers affected. Südwest Presse. https://www.suedwestpresse.de/sueddeutschland/hailstorms-in-swabia-over-a-hundred-farmers-affected-110312884

[4]: Brockmann, M. (2025, May 29). Wetterwarnungen: Große Teile Deutschland in Sturmwarnung. ARD. https://www.ard.de/aktuell/wetter/wetterwarnungen-groesste-teile-deutschland-in-sturmwarnung-100.html

[5]: Fischer, K. (2025, June 14). Tornado in Altenbeken: The aftermath of a devastating event. Westfalen-Blatt. https://www.westfalen-blatt.de/politik/tornado-in-altenbeken-das-nachwirken-eines-desolaten-geschehens-13496618.html

In the spirit of maintaining a safe and harmonious community, it's essential for everyone to follow the community policy about reporting general-news events like the severe thunderstorms currently affecting Germany.
As the weather forecasting predicts, the storm-force gusts and heavy rain are not only threatening the environment in central and eastern Germany, but also posing risks in crime-and-justice incidents due to the chaotic conditions, such as fallen trees causing accidents or injuries.