Storm Bernd struck Northwest Germany, resulting in substantial disruptions to train services across the region. The fierce weather, characterized by strong winds and significant storm damage, forced the Nordwestbahn to halt all train operations, affecting thousands of commuters and travelers. According to the North West Railway Service, all trains are being directed to the nearest station and remaining there temporarily due to safety concerns.
The storm’s severity became evident on the evening of January 6, 2025, when train lines such as RB 58, running from Osnabrück to Bremen, faced complete cancellations. Passengers waiting at Delmenhorst station were left disappointed, unable to board trains as the company announced, “Ein Schienenersatzverkehr kann leider nicht eingerichtet werden,” meaning no replacement bus services could be arranged. This left many without clear alternatives to get to their destinations.
Further cancellations included services on the line RE 18 from Wilhelmshaven to Oldenburg, which faced similar disruptions. The extent of the impact was widespread, leaving travelers scrambling for information on alternative transport options. The Nordwestbahn advised commuters to check the latest updates via their website, highlighting the challenges posed by the unruly weather.
The Deutsche Bahn, responsible for additional train operations, reported substantial service interruptions as well. Their infrastructure branch noted specific cancellations, pointing to the RB 58 service from Delmenhorst to Bremen as particularly afflicted during the peak travel hours. Information from their website confirmed continued disruptions, with updates expected as the situation evolved.
German authorities, including the Deutsche Wetterdienst (DWD), have been monitoring the storm closely, issuing warnings for gusts reaching up to 85 km/h. These conditions posed increased risks not only to rail travel but also to road and ferry services. The DWD warned, "Es werden bis 20 Uhr Sturmböen mit Geschwindigkeiten bis zu 85 km/h erwartet," highlighting the potential for dangerous travel scenarios due to the storm's ferocity.
Along the coast, the effect of the storm was similarly pronounced. Ferry services to various East Frisian islands were disrupted, with the Deutsche Bahn’s fleet operating transit to Wangerooge also being affected. Travelers hoping to navigate these transport routes were faced with cancellations and limited services, as the adverse weather conditions continued to wreak havoc across the region.
Local emergency services were also on high alert. The Kreisfeuerwehr Oldenburg reported multiple incidents involving fallen trees and other storm-related damage. The authority confirmed responding to no fewer than 34 calls between 5 PM and 7:30 PM alone on the evening of January 6. Firefighters were engaged actively, addressing fallen trees and securing areas threatened by unstable conditions. They described the storm as “kurz, aber heftig” (short but intense), with operations particularly concentrated in Ganderkesee, where the threat of falling trees was acutely high.
Despite the tumult, there is optimism for a gradual return to normalcy. Experts predict conditions may stabilize by the evening of January 7, with winds expected to diminish. Nevertheless, local meteorological experts continued to advise residents to remain cautious as they monitor developments. This recommendation is especially pertinent as snow and rain mixed precipitation are anticipated, potentially complicate the recovery from the storm.
At the moment, travelers are being instructed to frequently check updates from the Nordwestbahn and the Deutsche Bahn for real-time information on service resumption. Safety remains the number one priority as the region copes with the aftermath of Storm Bernd. The storm serves as a stark reminder of how quickly weather can turn dangerous, compelling communities to stay vigilant and prepared for sudden changes.