Storms 'Luise' and 'Manja' Cause Widespread Disruption Across Germany

The severe storms 'Luise' and its successor 'Manja' have caused significant disruptions across multiple regions in Germany as of October 25, 2026. Both storms have brought damaging winds, infrastructure damage, and interruptions to transport and power services.

In Baden-Württemberg, storm 'Luise' caused severe disturbances especially in Karlsruhe where the railway traffic was halted at the main station due to an object striking the overhead lines, sparking a "massive spark discharge," according to reports. Additionally, a regional train in Pforzheim had to apply an emergency stop after colliding with a falling tree branch. Heidelberg experienced a tree damaging overhead power lines that led to road closures. Numerous other incidents involving fallen trees and property damage were reported across the Rhein-Neckar region, Stuttgart, and Baden-Baden where emergency services were heavily engaged. The Europa-Park in Rust preemptively shut down its major roller coasters citing safety concerns from the weather. Despite the damages and disturbances, only minor injuries were reported, including a cyclist in Kronau struck lightly on the head by a falling branch.

Following 'Luise', storm 'Manja' swept across northern, central, and western Germany with official warnings issued for severe gusts reaching up to 90 km/h or even 100 km/h in exposed areas. Coastal regions faced additional threats from a storm surge expected to raise water levels 1.5 to 2.5 meters above average high tide, leading to disruptions in ferry services to East Frisian islands and a halt of operations by the Syltshuttle. The Brocken mountain region faced hurricane-force winds of 130 km/h, increasing risks of falling trees.

In Freiburg, the storm caused a power outage affecting thousands of households and emergency services at the university hospital, restricting care to life-threatening cases only. Winter weather also arrived early in Saxony and Bavaria with snowfall observed. The German Weather Service (DWD) warned that 'Manja' would weaken by late Sunday night but urged continued caution and securing of outdoor items.

These back-to-back storms emphasize the severity of this season's weather impact, challenging transport systems, public safety, and energy infrastructure across Germany.