Severe Storm Surge Threatens Germany's North Sea Coast with Flooding and Fatalities
A powerful storm surge is escalating threats of flooding and widespread disruptions along Germany's North Sea coast with fatalities reported across affected countries.
- • A Sturmflut warning was issued for Germany's North Sea coast with water levels in Hamburg expected to rise 2.5 meters above normal tide.
- • Significant travel disruptions include ferry cancellations and around 150 flight cancellations at Amsterdam's airport.
- • The storm has caused three deaths: one in Ireland and two in France, including drowning and falling tree incidents.
- • The storm has also caused power outages and transport disruptions across Northern and Western Europe, including the UK and Scandinavia.
Key details
A severe storm is currently impacting Northern Europe, with Germany's North Sea coast under a stern storm surge (Sturmflut) warning. The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) predicts water levels in Hamburg could rise up to 2.5 meters above average high tide by Sunday afternoon, posing risks of flooding in vulnerable low-lying areas such as the fish market. The storm has triggered significant disruptions including cancellations of ferry services like the 'Halunder Jet' to Helgoland and other regional routes. Air travel has also been affected internationally, with approximately 150 flights canceled at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, primarily impacting KLM flights. The storm's devastation includes three fatalities—one man in Ireland and two in France, with causes including drowning and a fatal tree fall. The storm's severe conditions extend beyond Germany, affecting Scotland with power outages, closing parks in London, and causing transportation challenges across Scandinavia with warnings for continued strong winds and heavy rain. Authorities remain vigilant as they prepare for further storm surge effects expected on October 5th, 2025, emphasizing the critical situation for the North Sea coastal regions of Germany.