- Storms in the north are leading to a number of operations.
Rainfall and thunderstorms have led to multiple fire department deployments in the north. In the Hanseatic city of Hamburg alone, there have been 55 weather-related deployments so far, according to a spokesperson for the fire department. The fire department has been called out mainly due to flooded basements and underground garages, as well as flooded streets. More deployments are expected throughout Wednesday.
In the Pinneberg district, the fire department has been deployed 33 times due to flooded basements and streets, as reported by a spokesperson. A warehouse was also affected. In particular, dry leaves have blocked drain covers.
Initially, the deployment was concentrated around Elmshorn, but it later shifted towards Schenefeld. The police were also called out several times to deal with broken branches or to check for suspected lightning strikes.
Unweather warning lifted
However, the German Weather Service (DWD) lifted its warning for severe thunderstorms in the Hamburg metropolitan area and the region between the Weser and Elbe rivers earlier in the morning. Nevertheless, according to DWD, rain amounts of up to 40 liters per square meter per hour are expected later in the day and especially in the evening. The thunderstorms are expected to move eastwards again on Thursday morning.
The weather conditions have been causing numerous issues, leading to numerous deployments of the fire department. In Elmshorn, the fire department was initially called out due to floods and blocked drain covers.
Despite the lifting of the severe thunderstorm warning by the German Weather Service, heavy rain is expected later in the day and especially in the evening, potentially leading to more flood-related incidents.
