7 dead as Germany struck by storms

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN (AA) - At least seven people have died as a deadly storm continued to disrupt travel in northern Germany on Friday.

The storm, named Xavier, boasted hurricane-force winds, reaching speeds of up to 180 kilometers per hour (112 miles per hour) on Thursday, leaving behind considerable damage and downing numerous trees in several major cities, including Hamburg, Bremen, and Berlin.

Five people were killed by trees falling onto cars, and two others died on the street after being hit by flying debris.

National rail operator Deutsche Bahn cancelled long-distance trains from Berlin to Hamburg and Hannover, and most train service in northern German cities remained disrupted on Friday.

The nation’s weather service warned on Friday that strong wind gusts and squalls were expected in Lower Saxony, and in the northern and eastern parts of Bavaria.