Violent showers, waves of several meters: France and Great Britain are preparing for a severe hurricane. Meteorologists warn of the danger to life outdoors. The storm will also be felt in Germany.

Traffic has been partially restricted in the English Channel and in northwest France due to the approach of a storm. Hurricane “Emir”, known internationally as “Ciarán”, is expected to hit the French Atlantic and the southern English coast.

The French meteorological service Météo France expects wind gusts of up to 170 kilometers per hour and waves up to ten meters high. According to the British meteorological service Met Office, winds of almost 140 kilometers per hour are expected in Great Britain. Forecasters warn of danger to life from flying debris, covered roofs, downed power lines and falling trees. Coastal areas in the south-west and south-east of England are particularly affected.

Runners are also expected in Germany

Gusts of storms and hurricanes of up to 120 kilometers per hour are also possible on the Belgian and Dutch North Sea coasts. In Belgium, the meteorological service announced an orange alert level for the Flemish coast and a yellow alert level for the rest of the country. The cities of Brussels, Antwerp and Liège closed parks publicly.

According to the German Weather Service (DWD), Germany will only reach the depth of the hurricane if it is greatly weakened. The DWD expects storm gusts of a maximum of 85 kilometers per hour, especially at high altitudes and on the North Sea coast. In Brocken in the Harz, up to 100 km/h could be reached.

Interior Minister Darmanin: Don’t come out!

Brittany is holding her breath: that’s the title of the BFMTV news channel. Almost a third of all French departments are at the orange alert level, three in red on weather maps. This means absolute surveillance, absolute surveillance, from midnight until morning. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin advised people to stay at home: “Everywhere in France, I encourage the French not to go out on the night from Wednesday to Thursday. And if they do go out, not near waterways. not even close to the sea to be.”

The country’s ports are closed, beach restaurants are protected with sandbags and some mayors have imposed exit restrictions. The personnel of the maritime rescue team was increased. French railway company SNCF suspended regional services in the most vulnerable areas and also canceled some TGV high-speed train services.

Ferries between France and Great Britain are canceled

Ferry company Condor yesterday canceled its passenger and freight connections between the Channel Islands and Great Britain for Wednesday and Thursday. The company DFDS canceled trips between Dieppe in France and Newhaven in England. Regional train services were also partially suspended in the regions of Brittany, Normandy, Pays de la Loire, Hauts-de-France and Central Val de Loire.

Rail company Eurostar, which offers connections from continental Europe to Britain, said it expected disruptions and slower journeys. He advised passengers to postpone trips planned for today.