Overview
- A DWD‑identified supercell moved across Baden‑Württemberg on Thursday, producing heavy rain, large hail and strong winds that caused widespread damage and travel disruption.
- In Karlsruhe a 60‑year‑old cyclist was killed when a falling tree struck him and the city logged more than 250 weather‑related emergency operations that forced an extraordinary deployment.
- Separately this week multiple serious transport incidents were reported across Germany, including a tractor overturn in the Allgäu that left a six‑year‑old child severely injured and a Harz level‑crossing collision that critically injured a 65‑year‑old tractor driver.
- Motorway crashes on the A2, A8 and A96 involved a smashed transporter and coach on the A2, an aquaplaning chain of collisions on the A8, and a heavy crash at the A96 junction; police have opened investigations and are asking witnesses to come forward.
- The DWD warns more thunderstorms in the coming days and officials say stretched rescue capacity, flooded roads and fallen trees could prolong clean‑up, impede travel and shape ongoing inquiries into causes such as aquaplaning and possible mechanical or medical factors.