Gusts Over 150 km/h Leave Chaos in Wake of First Named Cyclone of Season

Storm Amy (also known as Storm Detlef in Germany) has battered parts of Northern and Western Europe, causing widespread damage. The extratropical cyclone, named on October 1, brought gusts up to 150 km/h (93 mph), structural damage, and major power outages across several countries.

At least three deaths were confirmed: two in France and one in Ireland. Over half a million electricity customers lost power across the UK, Norway, Sweden, and France combined. Telecom and transportation networks were disrupted, with travel cancellations and delays widespread. Governments declared emergency status in affected regions and deployed repair crews and emergency services.

In the UK, the Met Office issued red weather warnings, and local councils warned of fallen trees and flooding hazards. This storm marks the start of the 2025–26 European windstorm season. Analysts note a trend of increased frequency and intensity in these storms, attributed to climate change, raising concerns about future resilience of infrastructure.