A severe storm has hit northwestern Jutland today, bringing multiple challenges to the region. Wind gusts reached hurricane force in Torsminde and near Rønbjerg Huse close to the Limfjord, according to the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI), which reported these incidents on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Typically, the west coast of Jutland is known for its windy conditions, especially during fall and winter. However, this summer storm has posed unexpected difficulties, as summer is generally associated with calmer weather that encourages outdoor activities. The DMI emphasized the importance of securing loose items, as they can become dangerous projectiles in such conditions.
Police supervisors reported fallen trees and flying debris, but fortunately, no injuries have been reported. Around 9:30 PM on Friday evening, the weather began to calm down, and the DMI lifted its hurricane force warning, indicating that the storm had peaked.
The storm, dubbed Lillian by British meteorologists, also impacted train and ferry services. Banedanmark (the Danish railway network) adjusted train schedules, resulting in reduced speeds on several lines. Additionally, train operations between Skive and Struer, as well as between Thisted and Struer, were temporarily suspended due to a fallen tree and the closure of Oddesund Bridge.
Ferry services were similarly affected, with cancellations for both the Fanø ferry and routes between Denmark and Norway. Ferries between Hirtshals and both Kristiansand and Larvik had to cancel departures, which caused disruptions to travel plans.
In Larvik, the Danish ferry “Superspeed” faced a dangerous situation when a container crane became unstable and threatened to topple. According to the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet, police secured the crane with granite blocks and wires after evacuating the ferry of passengers and vehicles.
Furthermore, the storm led to elevated water levels at the Wadden Sea, but the police reported no significant challenges arising from this situation. This powerful summer storm serves as a reminder of nature’s unpredictable forces and the importance of being prepared, even during the summer months.