An extremely unusual summertime storm is wreaking havoc in Western Europe, bringing hurricane-strength winds and causing widespread damage and disruption. The storm, named Poly by the German Weather Service, is more reminiscent of a high-end winter storm and is even producing a destructive “sting jet,” which is mixing jet stream winds to the ground.
According to the Associated Press, the storm has already claimed at least two lives and caused significant damage in the Netherlands and Germany. In Amsterdam, dozens of trees were toppled, cars and houseboats were damaged, and several people were injured. This storm is the most severe on record to hit the Netherlands during the summer months and the strongest overall since 2018, according to weather agency Weeronline.
The German Weather Service has issued red warnings for “extreme weather,” the highest on their scale. They are forecasting “hurricane gusts” with winds gusting between 65 and 80 mph. The service has warned of widespread severe damage to buildings, uprooted trees, and falling roof tiles, branches, and objects. They have advised people to close all windows and doors, secure items outdoors, and keep a distance from buildings, trees, scaffolding, and high-voltage power lines.
In the Netherlands, conditions are slowly improving as winds settle back into the 40 to 55 mph range. Earlier code orange alerts have been downgraded to code yellow alerts by the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute. However, the storm has already caused hundreds of flights to be canceled or delayed at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, one of Europe’s busiest airports, and has halted trains in the northern Netherlands.
The cause of this powerful storm, named Poly, is a strong low-pressure system that evolved from a broad trough in the jet stream. A pocket of high altitude frigid air, low pressure, and spin intensified a surface low over the English Channel, which then moved north-northeastward into Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. The presence of fully-leafed trees likely contributed to the significant damage observed.
One intriguing aspect of this storm is the possible presence of a “sting jet.” Sting jets are narrow corridors of intense wind that form on the “wraparound” portion of rapidly intensifying low-pressure systems. In the case of Poly, it is likely that the jet stream swept moisture-laden air into the low-pressure system, causing the precipitation to quickly evaporate and cool the surrounding air. This cooled air then descended rapidly, bringing jet stream winds with it. Sting jets can produce gusts of 80 to 100 mph or even higher.
Sting jets were first postulated following the devastating Great Storm of 1987, which caused widespread damage and loss of life in Western Europe. Since then, they have been observed dozens of times during severe windstorms in the region.
As Western Europe continues to deal with the impacts of this highly unusual summertime storm, authorities are urging residents to take precautions and stay safe.
What measures can individuals take to prioritize their safety and minimize the impact of extreme weather events like the one caused by Poly
Ems, and not to go outside unless absolutely necessary.
In addition to the high winds, heavy rainfall is also causing concerns. The storm is expected to bring intense precipitation, leading to localized flooding and potential damage to infrastructure. The combination of strong winds and heavy rain is a recipe for disaster, with the potential to cause widespread power outages and further damage.
The unusual nature of this storm has caught many off guard, as summertime storms of this magnitude are rare in Western Europe. Normally, the region experiences milder weather during the summer months, with occasional thunderstorms and showers. However, Poly is defying expectations and showing the unpredictable nature of weather patterns.
Meteorologists are attributing the intensity of this storm to a phenomenon known as the “sting jet.” This feature is commonly associated with strong winds and occurs when cold air from higher altitudes is mixed with the fast-moving jet stream. The mixing of these air masses creates a high-speed burst of strong winds, capable of causing significant damage.
As Western Europe grapples with the aftermath of this devastating storm, rescue teams are working tirelessly to clear debris, restore power, and address any immediate safety concerns. The full extent of the damage is yet to be determined, but it is clear that Poly has left a trail of destruction in its wake.
The effects of this storm serve as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the need to adapt to changing weather patterns. Climate change is believed to be a contributing factor to the increase in extreme weather events, and communities must be ready to respond to these challenges.
As the cleanup and recovery efforts continue, authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and heed any warnings or advisories. With the potential for further extreme weather events, it is crucial to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions.
