Severe storm system “Detlef” swept across Germany over the weekend, bringing storm surges, falling trees, and strong winds from the North Sea to the Alps.
At least three people were seriously injured, and several regions reported flooding, transport disruptions, and extensive damage to infrastructure and beaches.
Three people seriously injured in the south
In Baden-Württemberg, a minibus was crushed by a falling tree in the southern Black Forest, leaving two occupants critically injured, according to broadcaster SWR.
In Bad Sobernheim (Rhineland-Palatinate), a 38-year-old fisherman was also seriously hurt when a large branch fell on him. Firefighters had to free the man before he was taken to hospital.
Storm surge along the North Sea coast
In northern Germany, “Detlef” caused dangerously high water levels along the North Sea coast.
The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) issued a storm surge warning for Emden, the Weser estuary and the Elbe region, predicting tides up to two metres above normal.
The Baltic Sea, by contrast, faced no such warning.
In Hamburg, parts of the Elbe waterfront, including the famous Fish Market, were temporarily flooded as strong winds pushed water toward the city centre.
For a brief period, authorities even warned of a severe storm surge before levels gradually subsided.
Ferry traffic disrupted
The storm also disrupted ferry services along the Schleswig-Holstein coast, forcing several connections to be cancelled.
Beaches on the North Sea islands, including Langeoog and Wangerooge, suffered severe coastal erosion — with dunes collapsing and large sections of sand swept away by high waves.
Storm gusts and damage inland
Further inland, North Rhine-Westphalia reported numerous emergency responses to fallen trees and blocked roads.
The Cologne Zoo had to close temporarily after a large branch fell inside the premises.
Wind speeds reached 75 to 88 km/h in several regions, while the Brocken peak in Saxony-Anhalt recorded gusts up to 100 km/h, according to the German Weather Service (DWD).
Monday brings relief — but rain remains
Meteorologists said that “Detlef” was weakening by Monday as the low-pressure system moved toward the southern Baltic Sea.
Winds were expected to ease gradually through the afternoon, though scattered showers and cool, damp air would linger across much of the country.
By Tuesday, most areas should see only light to moderate winds, with fresh breezes still possible along coastal and mountainous regions.
