Severe windstorm hits Germany, killing at least 3

At least three people have been killed after a powerful windstorm swept across northern Germany on Wednesday, September 13, 2017. Named Windstorm "Sebastian" by the German weather service (DWD), this storm is known in the United Kingdom as Storm "Aileen," the first named winter storm of the 2017/18 season.

DWD reported wind gusts of up to 150 km/h (93 mph) in the northern Harz mountain range while the North Sea saw gusts of up to 140 km (87 mph). 

The storm uprooted numerous trees, caused significant damage to cars and buildings, traffic chaos, ferry cancellations and power outages.

According to Deutsche Welle, at least three people have been killed. A man in a wheelchair died after falling into the Elbe River in the northern city of Hamburg. Witnesses saw the man fall into the water where he later drowned despite a rescue effort that included a boat, divers and a helicopter.

Also in Hamburg, a pedestrian died after being hit by scaffolding that fell from the seventh floor of a building. The man later succumbed to his injuries after being taken to a hospital.

In the western German spa town of Brilon, a 53-year-old man was killed after he was crushed by a falling tree. A 20-meter (65-foot) spruce tree fell on the man while he was working in the forest, local police said.

Featured image: Storm Aileen / Windstorm Sebastian – September 13, 2017. Credit: NASA Terra/MODIS