Storm in East Hesse: lightning strike and floods cause chaos!

Storm in East Hesse: lightning strike and floods cause chaos!

On Saturday evening, May 3, 2025, East Hesse was hit by violent storms, which triggered serious damage and numerous alarms in the fire brigades. In particular, the B62 in Philippsthal entrepreneur had to be completely blocked due to floods and contaminants. The region experienced a striking temperature and weather change when thunderstorms in the Hersfeld-Rotenburg, Fulda and Vogelsberg circles and even an intensive storm in the Main-Kinzig district, such as Osthessen-news reported.

Particularly affected was Bad Salzschlirf, where an old oak in the spa park was probably overturned by a lightning strike. The falling tree caused considerable damage to the facade and the roof of the historical spa park residence. Tragically, at least nine gray heron found death through the lightning strike, with four animals on the roof and five in the root area of ​​the tree.

weather warnings and storm forecasts

The warnings of the German Weather Service (DWD) draw a worrying picture for the region. For the districts of Hersfeld-Rotenburg, Fulda and Vogelsberg, an orange warning level was even spent on a red warning level for the Main-Kinzig-Kreis. This means that strong gusts of wind up to 85 km/h and heavy heavy rain with up to 20 liters per square meter per hour can be expected. The forecasts for the Main-Kinzig district, where hurricane gusts of up to 110 km/h, heavy rain up to 30 l/m² per hour and hail with diameters of up to 2 cm are particularly dramatic.

The meteorologists also warn of possible super cells that can generate extreme rainy amounts in a short time with regional rainy amounts of up to 100 liters per square meter in a few hours. This uncertain weather situation keeps the residents in suspense, while the storm front moves from the southwest to North Hesse in the coming days, such as hessenschau admitted.

public events affected

A direct result of the severe thunderstorm warnings is the closure of the European Championship fan mile in Frankfurt, where public viewing was canceled for security reasons. The severe weather warnings apply to all counties in Hesse until 6 a.m. on Sunday. According to the DWD announcement, there can be between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius on Sunday, but with further continuing shower and thunderstorm activities in East Hesse, which continue to threaten the region.

The Hessian State Office for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology (HLNUG) has also given flood warnings to sensitize the population and minimize damage as much as possible. The weather is tense and the population is asked to remain attentive and take suitable precautions.