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Windstorm season in Europe From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 2024–2025 European windstorm season is the decadal and current season of the European windstorm naming in Europe. The new season's storm names were announced just before the start of the season on 28 August 2024. Storms that occur up until 31 August 2025 will be included in this season. This was the sixth season in which the Netherlands participated (through KNMI) alongside the United Kingdom's Met Office and Ireland's Met Éireann in the western group. The Portuguese, Spanish, French and Belgian meteorological agencies collaborated for the eighth time, joined by Luxembourg's agency (Southwestern group). This is the fourth season in which Greece, Israel and Cyprus (Eastern Mediterranean group), and Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Malta (Central Mediterranean group) named storms which affected their areas.
_near_the_UK_on_23_November.jpg) Storm Bert, the strongest storm so far | |
| First storm formed | 8 September 2024 |
|---|---|
| Strongest storm1 | Storm Bert 936 hPa (27.64 inHg) |
| Strongest wind gust | Storm Ashley 121 mph (195 km/h) at Cairngorm Summit, Inverness-shire, UK |
| Total storms | 11 (2) |
| Total fatalities | 62 |
| 1Strongest storm is determined by lowest pressure and maximum recorded non-mountainous wind gust is also included for reference. | |
There is no universal definition of what constitutes a windstorm in Europe, nor is there a universally accepted system of naming storms. For example, in the Western Group, consisting of the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands, a storm is named if one of the meteorological agencies in those countries issues an orange warning (amber in the UK), which generally requires a likelihood of widespread sustained wind speeds greater than 65 km/h, or widespread wind gust speeds over 110 km/h. (Required wind speeds vary slightly by agency and by season.) Both the likelihood of impact and the potential severity of the system are considered when naming a storm.[1][2][3] The Southwest Group of Spain, Portugal, and France share a similar storm-naming scheme, though their names differ from those used by the Western Group.[4] In Greece, however, naming criteria were established for storms when the storm's forecast winds are above 50 km/h over land, with the wind expected to have a significant impact to infrastructures.[5] In Denmark, a windstorm must have an hourly average windspeed of at least 90 km/h (25 m/s).[6]
The Meteorology Department of the Free University of Berlin (FUB) names all high and low pressure systems that affect Europe, though they do not assign names to any actual storms.[7] A windstorm that is associated with one of these pressure systems will at times be recognized by the name assigned to the associated pressure system by the FUB. Named windstorms that have been recognized by a European meteorological agency are described in this article.
Naming conventions used in Europe are generally based on conditions that are forecast, not conditions that have actually occurred, as public awareness and preparedness are often cited as the main purpose of the naming schemes–for example, a reference.[2] Therefore, an assignment of a storm name does not mean that a storm will actually develop.
In 2015, the Met Office and Met Éireann announced a project to name storms as part of the "Name our Storms" project for windstorms and asked the public for suggestions. The meteorological offices produced a full list of names for 2015–2016 through 2017–2018, common to both the United Kingdom and Ireland, with the Netherlands taking part from 2019 onwards. Names in the United Kingdom will be based on the National Severe Weather Warning Service.
The following names were chosen for the 2024–2025 season in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands.[8] For a windstorm to be named, the United Kingdom's Met Office, Ireland's Met Eireann, or the Netherlands' Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) have to issue an amber weather warning, most often for wind, but a storm can also be named for amber warnings of rain and snow (e.g. Storm Arwen in 2021).[9]
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This was the eighth year in which the meteorological agencies of France, Spain and Portugal named storms that affected their areas.[10]
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The following names are chosen for the 2024–25 season in Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Malta on 1 September 2024.[11]
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The Eastern Mediterranean Group works slightly differently compared to other naming lists. Instead of ending seasons on 31 August, they end seasons on the 30 September. The storm names in Greece, Israel and Cyprus are announced on 9 September 2024 as their season begins and ends a month later than the other groups.[12]
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This naming group, like the naming from the Free University of Berlin, does not use a naming list but names storms when it has not received a name by any other meteorological service in Europe and is projected to affect Denmark, Norway or Sweden.
Like the Northern Group, the Free University of Berlin names storms based on low pressures across the continent and does not use a naming list. The storms listed below were strong enough or were anticipated to cause equal or more disruption than if it were named either by one of the other groups.
Ex-tropical cyclones (subtropical storms, tropical storms, or hurricanes) that directly impacted a European country from the Atlantic hurricane which transitioned into a European windstorm and retained its name as assigned by the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida.
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All storms named by European meteorological organisations in their respective forecasting areas, as well as Atlantic hurricanes that transitioned into European windstorms and retained the name assigned by the National Hurricane Center:
Storm Atena was named on 8 September 2024 by the Italian Servizio Meteorologico.[11]
The storm system tracked across the Mediterranean, bringing heavy rainfall to Italy, where an orange rain and thunderstorm warning was issued for the Puglia region, prompting the naming of the system.[15]
In Croatia, a red rain and thunderstorm warning was issued for the Dubrovnik region where significant impacts from rain where expected.[15]
Storm Atena was expected to bring heavy rain, storms, strong winds, and hail to Greece from the night of 9 September to the afternoon of 11 September. It affected most of the country, including the western, central, and northern parts of mainland Greece, as well as the northern and eastern Aegean islands.[16]
In Pieria the storm produced a spell of rain overnight 7 to 8 September with a prolonged thunderstorm hitting the Mount Olympus area during the evening of 8 September.
Storm Atena caused major traffic problems on the island of Rhodes after hitting on 11 September. The city centre, the Rhodes-Lindos road and the Analipsis area experienced severe flooding and heavy traffic. On 10 September, the storm also led to traffic accidents and power outages that disabled traffic lights. In addition, some people were trapped in elevators and required assistance from the fire department.[17]
| Storm Boris | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Area affected | Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, The Balkans, Slovakia, Romania |
| Date of impact | 11–19 September 2024 |
| Maximum wind gust | Unspecified |
| Lowest pressure | 998 hPa (29.47 inHg) |
| Fatalities | 26 |
| Power outages | 260,000 |
| Damage | Catastrophic |
Storm Boris was named on 11 September 2024 by the Italian Servizio Meteorologico.[11] It was also named Anett on the same day by Free University of Berlin.[18]
The storm system caused disruption with heavy rainfall and gusty winds, soon after Storm Atena, which came through a few days prior. As a result, many weather warnings were put in place.
In Italy, yellow wind and rain warnings concentrated around the north of the country, and a down the east coast. Orange wind warnings encompassing were raised in the metropolitan areas of Rome, Florence, Bologna and Venice where disruption is expected.[19] The entirety of Croatia is under an orange wind and rain warning as well as most of Slovenia. Parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina also have yellow wind and thunderstorm warnings.[20]
On 14 September 2024, red alerts, indicating "intense meteorological phenomena", were issued in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland and 19 people were killed as a result of the floods. Six people drowned in Romania, five in Poland, four in the Czech Republic, and one in Italy. A firefighter was killed in Austria, and two men in Lower Austria drowned in their homes.[21] Multiple people are currently missing in Romania and the Czech Republic.[22] Hundreds were stranded by floods in Romania.[21] Mandatory evacuations were ordered in several areas of the Czech Republic.[21] The town of Głuchołazy in Poland was evacuated along with 1600 people from Kłodzko County.[22] Over 260,000 households were affected by power outages in the Czech Republic.[23][24] A hiker died from hypothermia in a snowstorm in the Italian Alps on 13 September.[25]
On 17 September 2024, a firefighter died in Foggia when his service car was swept away by a raging torrent on state road 90 connecting San Severo to Apricena.[26] On 17 September 2024, a two-seater plane with three French people on board crashed into the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines due to bad weather.[27] On 18 September 2024, the Emilia Romagna region in Italy is on red alert due to heavy rains. The Tuscany region is also on orange alert due to the effects of bad weather.[28][29] On 19 September, the missing plane was found and there were no survivors.[30] On 19 September, very serious damage occurred in Emilia-Romagna with numerous rivers overflowing, flooding and two missing people in Bagnacavallo, with over 1,000 people evacuated.[31] On 26 September, the number of fatalities in Poland rose to 9.[32]
Storm Aitor was named on 25 September 2024 was named by the Spanish AEMET.[10] It was also named Constanze by Free University of Berlin.[33]
Many areas of central, eastern and south-western France were under a yellow rain and wind warning with a small orange rain warnings for a few regions in the east of the country.[34] In Spain yellow wind and rain warnings were in force for the far north-west of the country along the Atlantic coast, with an orange rain warning in similar areas where 80 millimetres (3.1 in) of rainfall could occur in 12 hours.[35] This is similar in Portugal with orange rain warnings for the north of the country and yellow rain and wind warnings for the surrounding areas.[36] Ireland had a yellow wind warning in force for the Dublin area.[37]
In the United Kingdom, for the 25 & 26 September a yellow rain warnings were put up for eastern Northern Ireland where outbreaks of persistent and heavy rain are expected on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning in eastern counties, especially County Down and County Antrim. Rainfall amounts could reach 30–50 millimetres (1.2–2.0 in) widely, with potentially higher amounts of 60–80 millimetres (2.4–3.1 in) across high ground like the Mournes. Despite recent dry weather, this could lead to flooding and disrupt transportation.[38] There was also another yellow rain warning issued for 26 September, where a period of heavy and persistent rain was expected to affect parts of northern England and north Midlands. The heaviest rainfall is likely to be across the Pennines and North York Moors where 80–100 millimetres (3.1–3.9 in) of rainfall could accumulate during the course of the day. Elsewhere, totals are likely to be lower, reaching 20–30 millimetres (0.79–1.18 in) widely but with a risk of 50–70 millimetres (2.0–2.8 in) in some locations.[39]
Finally, there's a broad yellow rain warning across the southern half of England and Wales. The Met Office says, 'Whilst some areas will miss the worst, areas of heavy, showery rain are expected to become widespread across a swathe of England and Wales during late 26 September and into early 27 September.[40] On 26 September, the Met Office added an amber rain warning for the midlands and western England, where in some places, especially across central and eastern parts of the warning area, places are likely to receive 30–40 millimetres (1.2–1.6 in) in three hours or less, and perhaps 520–60 millimetres (20.5–2.4 in) or more in around six hours. This rain will fall onto already saturated ground and affect communities recovering from recent flooding.[41]
In Spain, strong winds have uprooted trees, causing them to fall across the ground. Meanwhile, intense rainfall in Vigo and other parts of Galicia has turned streets into rivers, making it difficult for cars to navigate. Additionally, in Rias Baixas, a hailstorm has caused significant damage to a field. Even in Vitoria, high winds have blown over large rubbish containers.[42]
In the United Kingdom, Emergency services have had to rescue many stranded people and clear flooded roads and railways. The M5 motorway near Bristol and the A421 have been severely damaged due to the heavy persistent rainfall, and rail services between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury have been disrupted. Residents in several areas, including Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, and Shropshire, have been evacuated due to flooding.[43] Also, Dozens of people have been rescued by firefighters from rising floodwaters in Northamptonshire. Thirty-five people had to be helped to safety from a caravan park in Yarwell, near Oundle at 19:30 on 26 September, following an evacuation order.[43]
| Storm Cassandra | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Area affected | Italy, The Balkans, Corsica, Hungary, Austria, Greece |
| Date of impact | 2–6 October 2024 |
| Maximum wind gust | Unspecified |
| Lowest pressure | 997 hPa (29.44 inHg) |
| Fatalities | 27 |
| Power outages | Unspecified |
| Damage | Catastrophic |
Storm Cassandra was named on 2 October 2024 by Montenegro Institute of Hydrometeorology and Seismology,[44] and Finny by Free University of Berlin.[45]
Meteo France issued an orange rain and flood warning in southern Corsica, whilst a yellow of the same warning was in force for northern Corsica.[46] Throughout the Balkans, there were numerous rain and wind warnings in force, including orange rain warnings in Slovenia and Croatia.[47]
In Croatia, a red rain warning was issued on 3 October, for antipated impacts from severe flooding. This warning includes the regions of Knin, Split, Gospić, Rijeka, Kvarner and Kvarnerić as well as the west coast of Istria.[48][permanent dead link] A red and orange wind warning was also in force for some of the areas mentioned above, as well as southern regions such as, Northern Dalmatia, Central Dalmatia and South Dalmatia where winds up to 65–130 kilometres per hour (40–81 mph) was expected.[48][permanent dead link]
Torrential rain on the evening and night of 3–4 October caused floods and landslides in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, 27[49] people died, burying houses and blocking off roads and railways.
| Ex-Hurricane Kirk | |
|---|---|
| Area affected | France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway |
| Date of impact | 8–11 October 2024 |
| Lowest pressure | 977 hPa (28.85 inHg) |
| Fatalities | 1 |
| Power outages | 400,000+ |
| Damage | Catastrophic |
Ex-Hurricane Kirk initially developed on 29 September 2024 off the Cabo Verde islands and was named the next day by the National Hurricane Centre.[50] Kirk affected Europe from 8 October, a day after becoming an extratropical cyclone. After reaching its peak intensity on 4 October, with Category 4 winds of 145 mph (230 km/h), far to the east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands,[51] Kirk became an extratropical cyclone on 7 October, then passed north of the Azores, before moving over western Europe on 8 October.
France enforced a yellow rain warning for much of the country except for the far south-east of the country and regions on the English Channel.[34] An orange rain warning with an accompanying yellow wind warning was issued for parts of the north-west, including Paris, as well as for the Pyrenees on the Spanish border. A red warning was later added for Seine-et-Marne for flooding.[52] In Spain warnings were issued for widespread strong winds, with gusts potentially reaching hurricane force in parts of northern Spain, heavy rain, especially in Galicia and the western part of the Iberian Peninsula, and significant wave heights along the Atlantic coast. A red wind warning was issued for Picos de Europa where winds up to 86 mph (140 km/h) where expected.[53] In Portugal an orange coastal event warning was enforced due to the anticipated large wave heights of 5–6 metres, with a yellow wind warning where, southwest winds with gusts of up to 75 km/h, reaching up to 100 km/h in mountainous areas.[54]
Orange rain warnings were issued for all of Luxembourg in response to Kirk.[55] Germany also issued orange rain warnings for many central areas, as well as a red rain warning encompassing many south-western areas. An orange wind warnings has also been issued for southern regions.[56] Switzerland has also issued yellow wind warnings for central and eastern parts of the country.[57] In Sweden a yellow wind warning was in force for Stockholm and the surrounding areas. Meanwhile, further north an orange flood warning was issued for coastal areas of Västernorrland and Västerbotten county.
In Porto, Portugal's main northern city, the storm hit hardest, uprooting 400 trees. Cars were damaged, and rail services were interrupted near Barcelos, also in the north. The storm cut power to more than 300,000 households, according to the country's electricity supplier. Weather and civil protection officials, who had predicted winds of up to 75 mph (120 kilometres per hour) and heavy rain, placed the coast on a yellow alert as waves reached up to seven metres (23 feet) high. Strong winds from Kirk severely impacted Portugal's apple production, with over 65% of the crops suffering damage. Losses from this are estimated to be in the "tens of millions of euros."[58] Spanish weather officials issued an orange alert for the north and northwest of the country, warning of winds up to 87 mph (140 kilometres per hour) in the Asturias region. In Galicia, the northwest reported roads blocked by mudslides and fallen trees in urban areas. Portugal's civil protection authority reported over 1,300 incidents from Tuesday night to Wednesday, with three-quarters involving fallen trees in the north. Spain also experienced heavy winds and rainfall, with waves as high as seven metres crashing ashore, according to local media. Storm Kirk primarily wreaked havoc in the northern half of Spain. Strong gusts caused delays and cancellations in rail and air services, park closures, collapsed roofs, and damage from fallen trees.[59]
Meanwhile, in southern France, a storm swell in the Mediterranean near the port city of Sète overturned three boats, killing one amateur sailor and leaving another in critical condition, according to Herault department authorities. Additionally, 64,000 people in the south of France were left without power, as reported by Enedis to AFP, while several departments saw roads cut off by floodwaters. The worst-hit area, Pyrenees-Atlantiques, saw 35,000 households lose electricity, with other southwestern and central eastern departments also affected.[60]
Storm Berenice was named on 11 October 2024 by the Spanish AEMET.[10]
Yellow rain warnings were in force for parts of Portugal as well as western parts Spain.[61] Also in Spain, there were orange rain warnings in force for south-western parts around Seville where 12-hour accumulated precipitation was expected to reach 100 millimetres (3.9 in) in places. Meanwhile, further north, an extreme red rain warning was in force surrounding Sierra Norte de Sevilla and Sierra y Pedroches, where 12-hour accumulated precipitation was expected to reach 120 millimetres (4.7 in).[62] In Morocco, orange heavy rain warnings where issued, as well as a yellow warning down coastal parts.[63]
In Spain, parts of the A-7 motorway between Cancelada in Estepona and San Pedro Alcántara in Marbella were flooded due to torrential rainfall early on 14 October. At the Guadalmansa dam, a monitoring network recorded 27 millimetres (1.1 in) of rainfall in the span of one hour that day. The La Concepción reservoir recorded nearly 14 millimetres (0.55 in) of rainfall in that same period of time.[64]
| Ex-Hurricane Leslie | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Area affected | Spain, Portugal-(Azores) |
| Date of impact | 14–16 October 2024 |
| Maximum wind gust | Unspecified |
| Lowest pressure | 1,001 hPa (29.56 inHg) |
| Fatalities | 1 |
| Power outages | 700 |
| Damage | Moderate |
A tropical wave first noted on 29 September off the coast of West Africa developed into Tropical Storm Leslie by the National Hurricane Centre. Leslie strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane but later weakened back to a tropical storm. It then re-strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane before weakening again to a tropical storm due to wind shear.[65] After then, it became post tropical and started making its way northeast towards Europe, where it transitioned into a European windstorm.
This prompted IPMA, the Portuguese weather service to issue multiple rain and wind warnings for parts of the Azores, and mainland Portugal. Orange rain warnings were in force for many southern regions of Portugal, including the capital, Lisbon. Yellow rain warnings were in force for regions further north, including places such as Porto. Spain also put up yellow rain warnings for many south-western, central and north-eastern regions as 15–20 millimetres (0.59–0.79 in) possible in 1 hour.[66] Yellow wind warnings were also enforced for the areas along the France–Spain border, where damage to properties in exposed areas is possible. Orange rain warnings were also issued for areas north-west of Valencia.[66]
Leslie's remnants brought significant flooding to France. Numerous communes recorded over 300 mm (12 in) of rain, with Mayres getting 689 mm (27.1 in). Some buildings were submerged, along with 700 people losing power. Strong winds uprooted a tree, killing a man and injuring his two children.[67]
| Storm Ashley | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Area affected | United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway |
| Date of impact | 18–21 October 2024 |
| Maximum wind gust | 121 mph (195 km/h): Cairngorm, United Kingdom |
| Lowest pressure | 959 hPa (28.32 inHg) |
| Fatalities | Unspecified |
| Power outages | Unspecified |
| Damage | Major |
Storm Ashley was named on 18 October 2024, by the Irish Met Éireann[68] and Josefine by Free University of Berlin.[45]
Storm Ashley was forecast to first impact Ireland, thus being named by Met Éireann. The Met Office issued an amber warning in western Scotland due to the threat of strong winds on Sunday afternoon and evening.[68]
In Ireland, Storm Ashley is expected to bring very strong and gusty southerly winds western Ireland, combined with high spring tides where an orange wind warning was issued place. This hazardous weather event could lead to several impacts including, coastal flooding, large coastal waves, and displaced objects are possible due to the powerful winds and rising sea levels. Fallen trees could block roads and damage property. The severe weather could make driving hazardous and conditions at sea will be extremely dangerous. Widespread power outages may occur due to damage to power lines. Additionally, buildings that have already been weakened may be further damaged by the strong winds. A wider yellow wind warning was issued for the rest of Ireland for the impacts.[69][failed verification]
After impacting the British Isles a day previously, Ashley impacted western Norway where an orange wind warning was in force for parts of the Sognefjorden to Sunnmøre regions on the west coast, with a broad yellow warning encompassing it.[70]
As the storm passed over the Scottish Highlands on Sunday night, average wind speeds hit 137 kilometres per hour (85 mph) with gusts of at least 179 kilometres per hour (111 mph) provisionally recorded at the summit of Cairn Gorm. Speed restrictions are in place on rail lines across Scotland due to the high winds, while flights continued to be impacted at Aberdeen Airport this morning. At least four have been cancelled, including one bound for London Heathrow Airport. In England, National Rail said Northern services between Bolton and Blackburn were being blocked by a tree on the line this morning. The Environment Agency had 45 flood warnings, where flooding is expected, in place across England on Monday, including along the south Cornwall coast and large parts of the River Severn, after the river burst its banks, submerging the town of Worcester, the previous day.[71] An injured passenger was airlifted from a ferry between Aberdeen and Orkney on Sunday evening after falling on board in rough conditions. Earlier, police said a man, woman and young boy were taken to hospital after getting into difficulty in the sea at Aberdeen Beach.[72]
A top windspeed of 121 mph (195 km/h) was recorded at the Cairngorm Summit, Inverness-shire, Scotland, United Kingdom.[73]
| Storm Jakob | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Area affected | Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania |
| Date of impact | 31 October–2 November 2024 |
| Maximum wind gust | Unspecified |
| Lowest pressure | 970 hPa (28.64 inHg) |
| Fatalities | Unspecified |
| Power outages | Unspecified |
| Damage | Major |
Storm Jakob was named on 31 October 2024 by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute; it was also named Martina by the Free University of Berlin.[74][75]
In preparation for Jakob, train services between Oslo and Bergen in Norway were cancelled on 31 October due to the possibility of flooding and landslides.[76]
A red warning has been sent out about extremely heavy rain in parts of Western Norway on Thursday 31 October. A rain warning has also been issued at orange and yellow levels for adjacent areas.
In Sweden, yellow wind warnings were in force for the coast on the Skagerrak and Kattegat for disruption from wind.[77] In the Baltics exist the similar warnings. Lithuania, had a yellow wind warning in force for western areas. All of Latvia under a yellow wind warning, including Riga and the Gulf of Riga. Estonia issued yellow wind warnings for the coast and south-eastern parts of the country.[78]
Here are the maximum rainfall amounts seen in Norway through 31 October:
Gullfjellet saw the highest rainfall with 195.1 mm, followed by Opstveit with 159.9 mm, Fossmark with 154.6 mm, Haukedal with 150.5 mm, Folgefonna Skisenter with 134.9 mm, Djønno with 119.8 mm, Eikelandsosen with 115.1 mm, Sædalen with 114.9 mm, Myrkdalen-Vetlebotn with 113.8 mm, and Ullensvang Forsøksgard with 113.7 mm.[74]
Due to the severe weather, multiple train departures have been cancelled, and several county roads have been closed, according to national broadcaster NRK. A road east of Bergen was closed after a rockslide, though no other storm-related damage has been reported.[79] In Sweden, strong winds brought by Storm Jakob left more than 12,000 people without power on Friday, and have led to train, bus and ferry services being cancelled. Due to severe weather conditions, several train routes in Sweden have been disrupted. The Swedish Transport Administration has been forced to suspend services on specific sections of the railway network to ensure passenger safety. Train services between Uddevalla and Strömstad have been halted. Trains running between Nässjö and Vetlanda, Linköping and Kalmar, and Linköping and Västervik have been affected. The primary reason for these disruptions is the risk of falling trees onto the railway tracks caused by strong winds and heavy rainfall associated with the stormy weather. Numerous stations along the disrupted routes have been impacted. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on affected stations, please consult the Swedish Transport Administration's website or your specific train operator. Ferry services to and from the island of Gotland have also been affected by the adverse weather conditions. Some ferry routes have been cancelled, while others are experiencing significant delays.[80]
| Storm Alexandros | |
|---|---|
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| Area affected | Greece, Turkey, Cyprus |
| Date of impact | 16–18 November 2024 |
| Maximum wind gust | Unspecified |
| Lowest pressure | 1,008 hPa (29.77 inHg) |
| Fatalities | Unspecified |
| Power outages | Unspecified |
| Damage | Unspecified |
Storm Alexandros was named by Hellenic National Meteorological Service on 16 November 2024.[81][failed verification]
The storm brought heavy thunderstorms to Greece and Turkey Prompting a red rain warning to be issued for East Sterea and Evvoia in Greece.[82] Orange rain and thunderstorms were also issued for Thessalia, North East Aegean Islands, Crete and the Dodecanese. Whilst a yellow thunderstorm warning was issued for Cyprus.[83]
The village of Steni on Evia recorded 135 mm of rain, while Seta, also in Evia, had 154 mm, while Skopelos recorded 93 mm up to 16 November.[84] Strong northerly winds blew over mainland Central Greece, Evia and the Aegean Sea, with speeds exceeding 62 mph (100 km/h) in the Karystos area, and 56 mph (90 km/h) in Samothrace.[85]
| Storm Quiteria | |
|---|---|
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| Area affected | United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia |
| Date of impact | 16–22 November 2024 |
| Maximum wind gust | Unspecified |
| Lowest pressure | 965 hPa (28.50 inHg) |
| Fatalities | Unspecified |
| Power outages | Unspecified |
| Damage | Unspecified |
Storm Quiteria was named by Free University of Berlin on 16 November 2024, and brought disruptive snowfall and wind to many parts of Europe.[86]
Many weather warnings where put up for this system across Europe, including, yellow ice warnings for Ireland,[87] yellow snow and ice warnings for many parts of the United Kingdom including Northern Ireland, parts of northern Scotland, south Wales and down the entirety of the east coast of England, excluding the Essex and Kent coasts.[88] Many yellow wind and rain warnings were in force for much of northern France, as well as western parts of the Netherlands where a yellow wind warning was in place.[89][90]
In Germany a red level 3 wind warning for central and south-western regions where gusts of 70 mph (110 km/h) to 80 mph (130 km/h) was expected.[91] These were encompassed by a large orange level 2 wind warning for the south, central and eastern parts of the country south of Berlin, including places like Munich, Stuttgart, Hanover and Leipzig.[92] Switzerland also had in force, orange snow warnings for the Swiss Alps.
Estonia has orange wind warnings, Latvia has orange wind warnings in force for western parts, surrounded in yellow wind warnings. Lithuania has yellow wind warnings in force.[93]
The storm brought heavy snowfall, strong winds, and hazardous road conditions across Finland where rare red warnings were in place for wind and snow, leading to widespread power outages, transportation disruptions, and property damage. Significant snowfall, with accumulations of up to 30 cm in some areas, and strong winds, with gusts reaching 25 meters per second, caused numerous accidents, forced the cancellation of flights and ferry services, and even led to the collapse of a sports hall in Espoo.[94]
In Sweden, a series of warnings were issued in anticipation of the heavy snowfall and strong winds. An orange warning was issued for coastal Gävleborg County on 20-21 November, where accumulations of up to 47 cm was observed in Älvkarleby. A separate orange warning was issued on 22 November for heavy snowfall across the coastal region of Västerbotten County, where accumulations of up to 70 cm were recorded in the vicinity of Bygdsiljum.
| Storm Caetano | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Area affected | United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia |
| Date of impact | 19-23 November 2024 |
| Maximum wind gust | Unspecified |
| Lowest pressure | 976 hPa (28.82 inHg) |
| Fatalities | Unspecified |
| Power outages | Unspecified |
| Damage | Unspecified |
Storm Caetano was named by the Spanish National Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and "Renate" by the Free University of Berlin on November 19, 2024.[10][18]
The naming came due to the risk of strong winds and potential heavy snowfall across parts of France, where widespread accumulations of 5-10 cm were expected, with some localized areas potentially receiving up to 20 cm.[95] Parts of the United Kingdom, mainly the high ground in the far southwest, Devon and Cornwall, could have seen some snow on the high ground for a time.
In France, widespread yellow wind, rain, and snow warnings were in effect for southern and northern areas. In between, an orange warning for wind and snow was issued, with blizzard conditions possible in places like Paris, Nantes, and Leon.[34] In Spain, yellow wind warnings were put up for the Spanish-French border regions.[96]
Much of Italy was under an orange snow or ice warning, with an additional orange wind warning for the south. Sardinia was also under an orange wind warning. Switzerland had orange snow and ice warnings in the west and north of the country, with a red snow warning for northwestern areas.[97] This situation was similar for southwestern Germany, where a red snow warning was encompassed by an orange snow warning.[56] Slovenia had yellow snow and rain warnings in force, while Croatia had yellow wind warnings.[98]
| Storm Bert | |
|---|---|
| |
| Area affected | United Kingdom, Ireland |
| Date of impact | 21-26 November 2024 |
| Maximum wind gust | 105 mph (169 km/h): Cairngorm, United Kingdom |
| Lowest pressure | 936 hPa (27.64 inHg) |
| Fatalities | 3 |
| Power outages | Unspecified |
| Damage | Unspecified |
Storm Bert was named by the Irish Met Éireann and Sigrid by Free University of Berlin on 21 November 2024.[99][10][18]
Bert is expected to bring heavy snow and ice to parts of the UK, particularly in the north, on Thursday and Friday. As the storm passes, heavy rain will affect southern and western regions over the weekend. The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings and the UK Health Security Agency has issued cold weather alerts. Drivers are advised to take extra care on the roads due to icy conditions and to be prepared for potential disruptions.[100]
An amber snow and ice warning was placed for parts of central Scotland, which included parts of Angus, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Aberdeenshire, the Highlands, and Argyll and Bute. The warning was originally in place from 07:00-17:00 GMT on November 23, but expired earlier. There was also one for northern England from 06:00-11:59. Several yellow wind and rain warnings were issued for parts of England and Wales. A yellow wind warning was issued for the same areas, excluding Angus, and also included Eileanan Siar and Moray. A yellow warning of rain was also issued which included parts of Angus, Clackmannanshire, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Dumfries and Galloway, and the Scottish Borders.[101] The next day a yellow wind warning was issued for the Midlands, East Anglia and the London area.[102]
For Ireland, similar impacts are expected from Storm Bert, with Met Éireann issued yellow wind and rain warnings for the whole country. These are likely to be changed and updated as the system nears.[103]
In Ireland, 34,000 without power. The weather has also brought significant disruption, with several flights disrupted at Newcastle and Dublin airports and extreme flooding in Donegal.[104] Elsewhere, Ferry operator DFDS has cancelled services on some routes until Monday with sailings from Newhaven to Dieppe and Dover to Calais being severely affected.[105]
So far, as a result of the storm there have been three recorded fatalities. A 34-year-old man died after his car "spun off the road" in icy conditions and struck a wall in Shipley, West Yorkshire just before 1am. Hours later in a separate incident, a second man aged in his 60s was killed when a tree fell onto his vehicle in Hampshire shortly after 7.45am.[106] In North Wales the body of a 75-year-old man was recovered from the floods in the Conwy Valley.[107] Five adults and five children have been rescued after a landslide in North Wales. All 10 people were rescued from the house in Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, near Llangollen.[108]
Winds from Storm Bert strengthened on Saturday morning, with top gusts of 82 mph (132 km/h) recorded at Capel Curig in Wales, and 75 mph (121 km/h) at Needles on the Isle of Wight. In Scotland, the Cairngorm mountains saw blizzard conditions and winds of up to 105 mph (169 km/h). Strong winds also forced the closure of the Severn Bridge, which connects Gloucestershire and South Wales.[109]
Bert is expected to slowly move towards Norway and impact there late on 25 November into the 26th. Yellow wind warnings are already put up along the coast for Obrestad and Slaatteroey.[110]
| Storm | FUB name | Dates active | Highest wind gust | Lowest pressure | Named by | Countries affected | Fatalities (+missing) | Damage scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atena | N/A | 8–11 September 2024 | Unspecified | 1,000 hPa (29.53 inHg) | Italy | Croatia, Greece, Italy, The Balkans | 4[13][14] | Severe |
| Boris | Anett | 11–17 September 2024 | Unspecified | 998 hPa (29.47 inHg) | Italy | Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia | 26[29] | Catastrophic |
| Aitor | Constanze | 25–28 September 2024 | 92 mph (148 km/h) | 984 hPa (29.06 inHg) | Spain | United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal | Unspecified | Severe |
| Cassandra | Finny | 2–6 October 2024 | Unspecified | 997 hPa (29.44 inHg) | Montenegro | Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Corsica, Hungary, Austria | 27[49] | Catastrophic |
| Kirk | N/A | 8–11 October 2024 | Unspecified | 977 hPa (28.85 inHg) | NHC | France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway | 1 | Major |
| Berenice | N/A | 11–13 October 2024 | 80 mph (130 km/h) | 981 hPa (28.97 inHg) | Spain | Spain, Portugal, Morocco | Unspecified | Moderate |
| Leslie | N/A | 14–16 October 2024 | Unspecified | 1,001 hPa (29.56 inHg) | NHC | Spain, Portugal, Azores | 1 | Moderate |
| Ashley | Josefine | 18-21 October 2024 | 120 mph (190 km/h) | 959 hPa (28.32 inHg) | Ireland | United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway | Unspecified | Major |
| Jakob | Martina | 31 October–2 November 2024 | Unspecified | 970 hPa (28.64 inHg) | Norway | Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania | Unspecified | Severe |
| Alexandros | N/A | 16-18 November 2024 | Unspecified | 1,008 hPa (29.77 inHg) | Greece | Greece, Cyprus, Turkey | Unspecified | Minimal |
| Quiteria | N/A | 16-22 November 2024 | Unspecified | 965 hPa (28.50 inHg) | Germany | United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia | Unspecified | Severe |
| Caetano | Renate | 19-23 November 2024 | Unspecified | 976 hPa (28.82 inHg) | Spain | United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia | Unspecified | Moderate |
| Bert | Sigrid | 21-26 November 2024 | 105 mph (169 km/h) | 936 hPa (27.64 inHg) | Ireland | United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway | 3 | Major |
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