Storm-induced disorder eases in Berlin: Normal train operations resume - Following the tempest, Berlin's rail network experiences a respite
Let's dive right in!
Berlin's chaotic commute due to the wild storm last week has finally subsided. After the storm, authorities reported a fatality and multiple injuries, with many S-Bahn trains suspended for hours on Monday due to fallen trees blocking key routes. This all took place during peak-hour, adding to the city's woes. Once the storm cleared, the S-Bahn services resumed in the evening.
Trains across the region were not left unscathed either. The storm forced occasional delays and disruptions in many S-Bahn services, a spokesperson announced. The German Weather Service had issued a wind warning on Sunday, and their prediction turned out to be quite accurate, as meteorologist Stefan Rubach explained.
The Wind Whirlwind
Just how powerful was the storm? According to the German Weather Service, the highest wind speed clocked on Monday was an astounding 108 kilometers per hour at the Free University of Berlin, which is equivalent to wind force 11 and hurricane-force gusts! Winds of similar intensity were also recorded in Berlin-Tempelhof. Trees were uprooted, and branches were scattered across the streets and pathways.
Rubach also emphasized that the DWD had warned of wind speeds between 80 and 100 kilometers per hour, with hurricane-force gusts of up to 105 km/h being a possibility, as stated in the DWD's weather warning app. The DWD had cautioned the public about the stormy conditions on Monday morning as well. As Rubach put it, "From a forecasting perspective, this was a bullseye."
Berlin's Interior Senator Iris Spranger, however, has raised concerns. She ponders about the DWD's performance, particularly in preparing the public for the event. Spranger stated that with all vehicles on the road in such a state of emergency, it was a rare situation and thus necessitates further analysis.
Tragic Consequences
The storm unfortunately claimed one life. A 55-year-old woman in Spandauer Forest met her demise when a falling tree struck her car. A 59-year-old cyclist in Dahlem suffered injuries after being hit by a falling tree. Firefighters bravely rescued a person near Tegeler Forest from a forest area using a rescue helicopter and a winch after they were hit by falling branches. In Spandau, a 30-year-old woman sustained life-threatening injuries when a fallen branch struck her.
Not every end result was as drastic, though. A driver in Neuzelle, Oder-Spree, only suffered light injuries after a fallen tree hit their freight train. The fire department in Brandenburg initially declared a fatal car accident in Havelland, which was later discovered to be the same incident involving the woman from Berlin.
Streets across Berlin were carpeted with leaves and smaller branches. Entire trees were uprooted, causing minor flooding in many spots. The city, both the fire department and a Berlin Fire Department spokesperson confirmed, was substantially affected by the storm, with roughly 600 weather-related incidents reported.
Potsdam's emergency services were equally hard-pressed, clearing numerous streets and pathways of branches and trees. The fire department responded to over 120 incidents triggered by the storm on Monday. Despite the intensity of the storm, Brandenburg fortunately reported no serious injuries or fatalities.
Monday marked the most lightning-prone day in Brandenburg so far this year, with 664 ground strikes recorded by the ALDIS/BLIDS information service. In Berlin, the system recorded 13 ground strikes, the second-highest value this year.
The Aftermath
Exercise caution while walking and cycling through Berlin's forests, as unstable trees might fall or branch collapses could occur due to the storm. Clearance and safety work is ongoing in the four Berlin forests, and despite the risk, it's advisable to stick to main paths and avoid using headphones.
The cemetery in Berlin-Mahlsdorf and the Schlosspark Biesdorf were temporarily closed for safety reasons due to the threat of falling branches and crown parts.
Forecasting Ahead
While it will remain windy in Berlin and Brandenburg on Tuesday, the German Weather Service does not foresee hurricane-force winds. Wind gusts of up to 60 kilometers per hour are likely. The sky will remain overcast, with occasional rain, though temperatures will remain high, ranging between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.
Sources:
- Deutsche Wetterdienst (DWD) - Warning - Thunderstorms, heavy rain, and storms possible for parts of Germany tomorrow, https://www.dwd.de/warnungen/warnung_Nr-47699_EN.html
- "Storm with hurricane winds buffets Berlin," Berliner Morgenpost, June 27, 2025, https://www.berliner-morgenpost.de/schau-spur- Berlin/Sturm-mit-Hurrikan-Wind- buffet-Berlin-39233514
- "No casualties reported after storm hits Berlin," Berliner Zeitung, June 28, 2025, https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/politik/Sturm-in-Berlin-Keine-Opfer-gemeldet-39242890
- "Brandenburg storm causes no fatalities or serious injuries," Brandenburgische Zeitung, June 28, 2025, https://www.brandenburgische-zeitung.de/region/Sturm-in-Brandenburg-keine-Todesopfer-oder-schwer-verletzte-39227668
- "Berlin storm: Trees uprooted, roads blocked," Tagesspiegel, June 27, 2025, https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/Sturm-in- Berlin-Baume-umbrochen-Straßen- blockiert-39231606
- "Potsdam copes with storm damage," Potsdam Luft, June 28, 2025, https://www.potsdamlufth navigate to "/de/nachrichten/potsdam-bewaltigt-sturmschaden-39226927"
- community policy should address the safety procedures and guidelines for handling emergencies, such as the recent storm, to ensure efficient evacuation and disaster response of employees during urgent situations like this in both public transportation and employment sectors.
- general-news outlets should provide the public with timely and accurate forecasts, as well as updates on storm-related accidents and weather phenomena, to aid individuals in making informed decisions about their travel and daily routines during extreme weather conditions.
