Berlin – In Berlin and Brandenburg, storms and squalls must be expected from Thursday to Friday. As the German Weather Service (DWD) announced, the storm is spreading from the west over the east of Germany. Storm gusts can be expected on Thursday morning, reaching speeds of up to 85 kilometers per hour. Heavy showers can also cause gusts of wind up to 100 kilometers per hour.
The street and green space office of the Mitte district warned on Wednesday against entering public green and recreational areas on Thursday and Friday. Due to the prolonged drought of the past three years, many trees are severely weakened, and they are particularly at risk because they are still full of leaves. Trees could fall or strong branches could break off.
“For people who stay in parks and green spaces, there is a mortal danger,” warned the Central Road and Green Area Office. Citizens should inform themselves via the information channels of the German Weather Service and only re-enter the green areas when the all-clear has been given.
The Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation in Berlin-Brandenburg has also warned against broken branches in the grounds. The foundation announced on Wednesday that trees could be uprooted due to adverse weather conditions. The trees in the parks in Potsdam, Berlin and Brandenburg have already been weakened by the drought in recent years. Particular caution is therefore advised. You might not want to visit the parks. Closures of the facilities cannot be ruled out depending on the weather.
Berlin zoo and zoo remain closed
The zoo and the zoo in Berlin will remain closed on Thursday due to the storm warning. “We know from experience that such severe weather warnings should by no means be taken lightly,” said zoo and animal park director Andreas Knieriem on Wednesday. In order to protect guests and animals from falling branches, operations will be closed to visitors on Thursday and the animals will be housed in houses and stables. The aquarium should open regularly.
Guests with tickets for Thursday asks the zoo management to apply for a rebooking. “We very much hope that we will be spared major damage,” said Knieriem. In that case, the zoo and zoo should reopen regularly from Friday.