Storm 'Bernd' Disrupts Transport Across Germany

Storm 'Bernd' has wreaked havoc across Germany, causing significant disruptions in both railway and road networks. The A560 motorway in North Rhine-Westphalia was closed between Hennef West and East due to a collapsed sound barrier wall, with fallen trees further obstructing roads and railways. Cities such as Cologne, Leverkusen, and Solingen issued warnings as gusty winds and a drop in temperatures were forecasted.

Rail services were severely affected, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia, with numerous lines temporarily suspended. In areas like Hagen, Düren, and Düsseldorf-Gerresheim, trees and debris blocked tracks, requiring extensive cleanup efforts. The chaos extended to other regions, including parts of Hessen, where storms toppled trees and damaged infrastructure, causing delays in local bus and train services.

Northern and western regions of Germany experienced delays and rerouted services as rail operations tried to recover. The Deutsche Bahn reported resumed services on most lines, though some sections remained closed due to ongoing clearance work.

The impact of the storm extended beyond transportation. In Düsseldorf, numerous emergency calls were made to the fire department for assistance with fallen trees and unstable structures. A building scaffolding in Dortmund posed a significant hazard, prompting road closures until it was secured.

As the country braced for further adverse weather conditions, including potential storm surges along the North Sea coast, authorities urged caution. Residents were advised to stay informed through local weather alerts and avoid unnecessary travel. Despite the challenges, cleanup operations continued, with normalcy gradually returning to affected areas.