Germany: Rail disruptions Oct. 6 after Storm Xavier /update 2

Event

According to Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national railway operator, many long-distance rail lines are blocked by fallen trees and other debris as of Friday, October 6, following the passage of Storm Xavier. Rail disruptions on long-distances routes are expected to last until Sunday, October 8, due to damaged rail infrastructure.

Trains across northern and northeastern rail networks have been suspended, including, the major line connecting Berlin and Hamburg, as well as some trains on Berlin's S-Bahn urban rail and U-Bahn metro services. Other lines closed as of Friday morning include: Berlin-Hannover, Hamburg-Hannover, Berlin-Leipzig, and Berlin-Dresden, among others.

Context

Storm Xavier hit northern Germany on Thursday, October 5. Hurricane force winds up to 120 km/h (75 mph) were reported in Berlin, causing severe transportation disruptions and prompting the Berlin fire brigade to declare a state of emergency.
At least seven people were killed by the storm on Thursday. Among the most severely affected regions are Brandenburg, Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen, and Lower Saxony.

Advice

Individuals are advised to confirm their travel itineraries and to allow for extra time to reach their destinations.