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Spring cold snap nips northern Germany

At this time last year beach lovers were already packing their picnic baskets, but this year's long winter continues to disappoint would-be sun worshipers.

Published: 8 April 2008 16:44 CEST

Spring cold snap nips northern Germany

The Heringsdorf resort on the island Usedom. Photo: DPA

A sudden cold snap caused power outages and numerous traffic accidents in northern Germany on Tuesday.

In the northeastern German state of Mecklenberg-Vorpommern the storm brought up to 10 centimetres of new snow, creating slippery road conditions. One man was severely injured in a traffic accident, police reported.

Stormy weather caused tree damage, blocking streets on the island of Usedom, in the Baltic Sea off Germany’s northern coast. Energy provider Eon estimated that up to 3,000 customers were hit by power outages after power lines were damaged in the storm.

In the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia icy streets hindered traffic, and a truck driver was killed when ice caused his trailer to flip off of a bridge.

More rain forecast as storms hit western Germany

Major storms hit western Germany on Thursday, causing travel disruption and flooding.

In parts of Baden-Württemberg, streets were flooded and rivers swelled. Bisingen, southwest of Tübingen, was particularly hard hit, with cellars and streets plunged under water.

Police said there was also traffic disruption. In Baden-Württemberg’s state capital Stuttgart, severe storms and lightning caused issues and some roads were closed.

Other states were also affected.

There were around 300 relief operations in the Ahrweiler district in Rhineland-Palatinate, which was hit by the 2021 deadly flood disaster.

Police said no-on was injured, although basements and streets were flooded. The water levels of the Ahr were being closely monitored.

Emergency services in Bisingen on Thursday.

Emergency services in Bisingen on Thursday. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Silas Stein

In Trier, too, streets were flooded after heavy rain and there were hailstorms. The Koblenz police headquarters reported fallen trees. Significant property damage due to full cellars and flooded streets was also reported in some areas.

Heavy showers also fell in Hesse, accompanied by thunder storms. In Frankfurt, according to the fire department, the heavy rain caused water to enter the Bethanien Hospital and even reach the intensive care unit of the clinic.

“We were able to contain the damage relatively quickly and prevent it from spreading,” said fire department spokesman Thorben Schemmel, adding that no patients were affected.

In Rhineland-Palatinate, the Eifel region was particularly affected, with reports of flooded streets after heavy rain and hailstorms.

North Rhine-Westphalia also saw storms late in the afternoon on Thursday.

The German Weather Service (DWD) said it expected some heavy rain and hail in parts of the country on Friday – particularly in the west – and at the weekend but warnings of severe weather have been lifted.

The DWD said there could still be one or two strong thunderstorms in the northeast on Friday. However, it will be a significantly quieter day compared to Thursday. Temperatures of up to 25C can be expected.

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