Storm Joshua: Strong gusts and delays in Schleswig-Holstein!

Storm Joshua: Strong gusts and delays in Schleswig-Holstein!

A powerful storm called “Joshua” is currently causing a hustle and bustle on the west coast of Schleswig-Holstein. The North Sea islands and the mainland are particularly affected, where wind speeds of over 100 km/h were measured in some cases. According to NDR, the wind gusts on Helgoland are up to 126 km/h and make the storm appear to be the strongest of the autumn. Wind force 11 was measured on the mainland in Büsum, which doesn't make the situation any easier, especially since storm surges are also expected on the coasts.

The night was relatively quiet for the fire department, with a total of 30 operations in Dithmarschen, Steinburg, Segeberg and Pinneberg as well as 20 operations in Flensburg, North Frisia and Schleswig-Flensburg. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported; Most of the operations were necessary due to fallen trees.

Current weather conditions and warnings

So far the general weather situation remains tense. The weather warnings are in effect until the afternoon, with stormy gusts of 70 to 85 km/h expected in the North Sea. In exposed locations there could even be gusts of up to 95 km/h. The German Weather Service has also issued weather warnings for short thunderstorms that can bring gusts of up to 85 km/h. The low is moving towards the North Frisian Islands and Halligen, and while some calming is expected in the south of Schleswig-Holstein, the storm in the north will last until Saturday night.

Water levels on the Elbe are expected to rise up to 2.00 meters above mean high water, with similar values ​​on the North Frisian coast. As water flow is inhibited by strong westerly winds, water levels are expected to remain high.

Measures and effects

The Wyker Dampfschiffs-Reederei has resumed its ferry service to Föhr and Amrum, although it is to be expected that the timetable could undergo changes due to the flooding. There have also been reports of disruptions to rail traffic, particularly on the marsh railway, and travelers are advised to only undertake absolutely necessary journeys.

In addition, there is a general order regarding bird flu, which was issued in Schleswig-Holstein after several positive cases were confirmed in wild birds. For this reason, stricter rules for poultry farmers will apply from tomorrow.

There was also news on the sports fields: In the regional football league, VfB Lübeck played 2-2 against Emden, while Phönix Lübeck won 2-0 against Altona 93. The weather for the coming days also promises a lot, with forecasts for showers, sleet and thunderstorms, which could bring strong gusts again.

The storm also has an impact on nature: invasive species such as raccoons and nutrias pose a threat to the local ecosystem. In the last hunting season, over 7,300 nutrias were shot, which is three times as many as in the previous season. The state hunting association is therefore calling for more financial resources to combat these species.

Overall, it appears that Storm Joshua is causing a number of challenges, from nature to traffic to concerns about local wildlife - an issue that affects us all.

For more information, see reports from NDR, SHZ and German Weather Service.