Raging Storms Wreak Havoc in Berlin and Beyond
Unfavorable weather conditions hitting specific regions in Germany
Say goodbye to sunny skies, 'cause Germany's been hit by a wildstorm! The storms, which blew in late June 2025, have caused a massive mess, especially in the Berlin and Brandenburg area.
Berlin S-Bahn: A Nonsensical Network
Berlin's regional rail services, a.k.a. the S-Bahn, have been under a storm-induced siege. Sections of the city's S-Bahn network, notably the northern areas, have been closed due to storm damage, leading to long-lasting disruptions. By the next morning, the storm-related closures were still up, leaving commuters and travelers high and dry [3].
Firefighters: The Real-Life Superheroes
The Berlin fire department has been on an emergency call marathon, with close to 2,000 storm-related calls across Berlin and Brandenburg since the storm hit [3][4]. In Berlin alone, firefighters have been battling fallen trees, flooded areas, and conducting rescue operations, including rescuing people from overturned boats. The sheer volume of emergency calls put the fire services to the test, with many firefighters working through the night [3][4].
The Aftermath: A Forest of Problems
Thousands of trees have fallen, particularly in Tegel Forest, causing it to be shut temporary. Cleanup and safety work in these forests and surrounding areas is expected to take weeks [4].
Four people were injured, some critically, by falling trees across Berlin and Brandenburg. Houses, vehicles, and power lines have also been damaged by fallen trees and branches, with the Havelland district and other Brandenburg areas bearing the brunt of the damage [1].
Historic sites like the Sachsenhausen memorial have suffered roof and water damage due to heavy rains and strong winds. The damage at certain locations is still being assessed, but estimates suggest costs of at least 100,000 euros at specific sites [3].
The Weather Guide: How It Went Down
The storms featured thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail, and strong gale-force winds exceeding 100 km/h, according to the German Weather Service (DWD). These powerful conditions contributed to the widespread destruction and emergency incidents [2][5].
The German Weather Service (DWD) reported that the storms, which battered Berlin and Brandenburg, were a result of thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail, and winds exceeding 100 km/h. The environmental-science community is now analyzing the impact of these weather events on the city's forested areas, especially Tegel Forest, where thousands of trees have fallen.
