A storm warning is in effect for much of the country
A powerful tornado hit the western German cities of Lipstadt and Paderborn and caused enormous damage, the Associated Press reported. The videos on social networks show the destruction left after the disaster. No casualties have been reported so far. There are 40 wounded, 10 of whom are in serious condition, Bild newspaper reported.
PICTURES FROM THE STORM SEE HERE
The church bell tower in Lipstadt was blown away by the hurricane. Authorities have mobilized more than 300 firefighters to help deal with the disaster.
A storm warning is in place in much of Germany. Meteorologists have warned of expected torrential rains in the western and central parts of the country, as well as strong gusts of wind up to 130 kilometers per hour.
The storms caused traffic problems across the country. Wind-blown trees blocked railroads and roads, and heavy rains flooded hundreds of houses in West Germany.
Bad weather killed two French citizens shortly after taking off on a motorized paraglider from Balenstadt Airport, 175 kilometers south-west of Berlin.
Due to the bad weather warning, schools in Cologne were closed at noon on Friday so that students could return home before the storm.
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