Storm Zack sweeps over Schleswig-Holstein: ferries are canceled!

Storm Zack sweeps over Schleswig-Holstein: ferries are canceled!

Today, September 16, 2025, the storm “Zack” is bringing the first autumn storm of the year to northern Germany. Gusts of up to 105 km/h are the rule, while showers and thunderstorms dominate the weather from Hamburg to the Danish border. As NDR reports, the storm is not only quite severe, but also leads to significant restrictions on ferry traffic.

The ferries to Heligoland, including the catamaran “Halunder Jet” and the “Funny Girl”, are canceled today. Travelers who are looking forward to a boat trip to the popular island are particularly affected. The ferry connections to the islands of Föhr and Amrum should continue as planned, although delays in vehicle loading are also to be expected there. A ray of hope: The ferries to Sylt remain in operation, while the https://www.tagesspiegel.de/gesellschaft/panorama/fahr-nach-helgoland-fallen-wegen-sturmtief-zack-aus-erster-herbststurm-des-jahr-erreich-norddeutsche-kusten-14328611.html confirms that no storm surge is expected on the North Sea coast.

Damage and safety warnings

The clean-up work and emergency measures are already in full swing. In Lower Saxony, the sad outcome of an 84-year-old unfortunate passer-by who was hit by a branch and taken to hospital with serious injuries is becoming known. The first damage also occurred in Schleswig-Holstein when a truck left the road due to strong gusts of wind and landed in a ditch.

In addition to the injuries already mentioned, meteorologists urge caution. Lutz Beckebanze from the German Weather Service warns of falling trees and broken branches and recommends avoiding forests in particular during the storm. Many people should take to the streets to observe the effects of the storm, one can better take care of safety and closely monitor the situation in these icy times.

Forecast and outlook

According to meteorologists, the storm “Zack” will cause major changes in the weather, at least for the time being, but it also has a positive note: after this two-day storm event with a respite at night, a calming of the weather will be in sight. According to the forecasts, the violent gusts and rain will continue towards Finland during the night. The control centers in Schleswig-Holstein now only report smaller incidents, mainly due to fallen branches on roads.

The storm will reach its peak today in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where wind speeds of up to 100 km/h are expected on the Baltic Sea coast. Nevertheless, the BSH data show that no actual storm surge is to be expected in this region either, as although the flood levels are rising, the storm surge definition of 1.5 meters above the mean flood is not reached.

The region must now patiently wait out the effects of the storm while hoping for the upcoming weather changes. Things could become calmer and more stable again in the next few days, which brings hope, especially for travelers and locals.