Storm ‘Manja’ brings severe weather warnings, including hurricane-force winds and storm surges, to northern Germany, disrupting transportation and ferry services.

The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued severe weather warnings as storm ‘Manja’ moves across northern Germany, following storm ‘Luise’. Hurricane-force winds are expected in areas such as the North Sea coast and high-altitude regions. Specific warnings have been issued for Helgoland, the North Frisian Islands, and the Halligen, where winds from the southwest and later the west are predicted to reach hurricane strength this afternoon and evening. Inland areas of Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Hamburg, and Bremen may also experience storm-force winds.

The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) has warned of potential storm surges along the North Sea coast. Water levels are expected to rise significantly, with high tides reaching 1.5 to 2 meters above average along the East Frisian coast and the Elbe region, and up to 2.5 meters higher along the North Frisian coast. The Halligen islands are preparing for potential flooding. Transportation has been heavily impacted, with the Sylt Shuttle ceasing operations on the Hindenburg Dam due to safety concerns. The last train ran at midday, and tickets remain valid for Monday or Tuesday. Ferry services between List and Rømø are operating with limited capacity.

Ferry connections to several East Frisian islands have been disrupted. Services to Langeoog, Norderney, Wangerooge, Spiekeroog, and Baltrum have been canceled or restricted due to the storm and storm surge warnings. The Neßmersiel harbor closure has led to additional cancellations. Travel to Helgoland has also been severely affected, with ferry operators suspending services until Tuesday. The MS ‘Helgoland’ and the ‘Nordlicht’ catamaran have canceled trips, while the ‘Halunder Jet’ will not operate until Monday. These disruptions coincide with the end of autumn holidays in Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Schleswig-Holstein, causing significant travel challenges for residents and visitors.