Emergency services were deployed in large numbers on Tuesday evening after a severe storm hit the Brandenburg city of Cottbus.
Numerous emergency calls were received reporting damage to buildings, trees, and vehicles.
The storm, which began around 6:30 p.m., brought heavy rain, hail, and strong winds. Witnesses reported seeing funnel clouds in the sky, leading to speculation that a tornado may have touched down.
The Cottbus fire department reported that they had received over 100 emergency calls within a short period of time. Firefighters were dispatched to secure damaged buildings, clear debris, and assist with evacuations.
The storm also caused power outages in several parts of the city. According to the Cottbus energy provider, around 5,000 households were without electricity as of Tuesday evening.
The German Weather Service (DWD) has not yet confirmed whether a tornado occurred in Cottbus.
However, meteorologists are investigating the reports and will issue a statement once their analysis is complete.
The storm in Cottbus is just one of several severe weather events that have hit Germany in recent weeks. On Monday, a tornado touched down in the town of Paderborn, causing significant damage.
- Strong winds
- Hail
- Heavy rain
- Lightning
- Flooding
If you encounter severe weather, it is important to take the following precautions:
Seek shelter in a sturdy building.
Stay away from windows.
Do not go outside unless absolutely necessary.
Be aware of the potential for flooding and downed power lines.
If you see a tornado, take cover immediately in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of your house.
Kind regards E. Thompson.