Status: 02/16/2022 2:03 p.m
It’s getting stormy: Due to two approaching hurricane lows, there are severe weather warnings for large parts of Germany. In North Rhine-Westphalia the schools will remain closed tomorrow. Traffic delays are expected in many places.
The German Weather Service (DWD) warns of violent storms – especially in the north, east and center of Germany. Heavy gusts of wind with up to 100 km/h are expected from Thursday night. Sometimes hurricane gusts of up to 120 km/h are to be expected.
There is a risk of a storm surge on the North Sea. Severe weather warnings also apply to mountainous areas in southern Germany, such as the Black Forest and the edge of the Alps. The weather service and the federal and state civil protection authorities warn of the dangers of uprooted trees, falling roof tiles and flying objects. Damage to buildings is just as possible as disruption to traffic.
People should avoid being outdoors as much as possible. A warning is given in particular before entering forests and parks.
School failure in NRW
In North Rhine-Westphalia, the Ministry of Education ordered a state-wide cancellation of classes on Thursday. School Minister Yvonne Gebauer said the decision was made after consultation with the DWD. She doesn’t want students to go to school “in the eye of the storm.”
Obstacles expected on roads and rails
In many places, fire brigades have already gone on the alert and are preparing for numerous operations. Companies are also preparing for the storm on the roads and railways. According to the DWD, obstructions in road and rail traffic are possible. “Deutsche Bahn is monitoring the current weather development and preparing for it,” said a railway spokesman. Employees and emergency vehicles would be put on standby “to be able to quickly eliminate any storm damage”.
“Ylenia” is followed by “Zeynep”
According to the weather service, after the passage of the first hurricane “Ylenia” on Thursday afternoon and on Friday night, the weather should calm down temporarily before hurricane “Zeynep” approaches on Friday.
This should be accompanied by strong winds up to hurricane gusts and sometimes heavy rain. According to the meteorologists, the forecasts for this hurricane were still relatively uncertain.