Overview
- On Friday the Deutscher Wetterdienst issued official warnings for large parts of western and northern Germany with alerts active in roughly 256 districts as Luise (international name Austen) moved in from the North Atlantic.
- The DWD forecasts widespread storm gusts of around 80–100 km/h in lowlands and far stronger, orkanartige Böen on exposed peaks with forecasts citing up to about 130–150 km/h on summits such as the Brocken and Feldberg.
- Heavy rain of roughly 30–40 liters per square metre is expected in staulagen of western Mittelgebirge and mountain snow is likely above about 1,200–1,500 metres, raising flood and landslide risks in steep areas.
- Practical impacts are already appearing as organizers postpone outdoor events, rail and ferry services warn of disruptions and neighbouring France has reported power outages from the same storm system.
- Authorities advise securing loose objects, avoiding forests and parks, following DWD warnings and transport updates, and preparing for a second surge of strong winds when Manja arrives this weekend that will concentrate risk on coasts and highlands.