Storm and two tornadoes hit Germany, killing one and injuring several
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Severe storms with heavy rain and strong winds struck parts of Germany on the evening of August 19 and into the night of August 20, causing significant damage. One woman died and several people were injured, with dozens of buildings damaged. Two tornadoes were confirmed in Brandenburg and Hesse.
Key Facts
- A 58-year-old woman died in Walldorf, Rhineland-Palatinate, after a falling tree struck her during the storm.
- In Wetzlar, Hesse, about 60 houses were damaged by a tornado, with roofs completely torn off some buildings.
- The German Weather Service (DWD) confirmed a tornado over Brandenburg and another in Wetzlar, Hesse.
- In the Westerwald district, the storm damaged houses in several localities and caused a large-scale power outage.
- A truck overturned on the A61 motorway in western Germany due to strong gusts of wind.
Casualties and Damage
In Walldorf, Rhineland-Palatinate, a falling tree struck two women who had sought shelter under a covered bench area during the storm. A 58-year-old woman died at the scene, and her 47-year-old companion was taken to hospital, according to a police spokesman. In Höhr-Grenzhausen, also in Rhineland-Palatinate, storm winds destroyed walls of houses, damaging at least two buildings. The German news agency dpa reported that damage was caused by falling facade parts, flying debris, and uprooted trees.
Tornadoes Confirmed
The German Weather Service (DWD) confirmed a tornado passed over Brandenburg. In Fürstenwalde, near the Polish border, a falling tree pierced the kitchen ceiling of a residential building. Another tornado was recorded in Wetzlar, Hesse, and its intensity is currently being assessed, the DWD said. According to the fire service, about 60 houses were damaged in Wetzlar, with roofs completely torn off some of them.
Regional Impact
In the Westerwald district, the storm damaged houses in several localities and caused a large-scale power outage. In the Bitburg-Prüm district, a tree fell onto a road and railway tracks. On the A61 motorway in western Germany, a truck overturned due to strong gusts of wind. In Thuringia, emergency services were called out for fallen trees and flooded basements, with fallen trees damaging several parked cars but no reported injuries. In Lower Franconia, Bavaria, trees fell onto roads and cars, with no reports of injuries.
2 sources
Storm and two tornadoes hit Germany, killing one and injuring several
