Violent Storm in the Herford District | Heavy Flooding, Lightning Strikes & Emergency Response

A powerful storm hit the Herford district on June 14, 2025, causing major flooding, lightning strikes, and widespread damage across towns like Löhne, Enger, Herford, and Hiddenhausen. Emergency services including the fire brigade, THW, and Red Cross responded to dozens of incidents as roads flooded, trees fell, and a building in Löhne was struck by lightning. Watch the full report to learn what happened during this intense storm in the Herford district, how residents were affected, and how first responders tackled the crisis.

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On the evening of Saturday, June 14, 2025, a violent storm struck the Herford district, leaving behind a trail of chaos, damage, and emergency response efforts that lasted well into the early hours of Sunday morning. The "storm in the Herford district" quickly became one of the most talked-about weather events in the region, as intense rainfall and dramatic lightning created hazardous conditions across several towns.

The storm began rolling in just after 6 PM, catching many residents by surprise. Thunder rumbled across the skies, and within minutes, torrential rain began pounding the streets. Strong gusts of wind shook trees and buildings, and before long, the full scale of the storm began to reveal itself.

Emergency calls started flooding in almost immediately. Fire departments throughout the district were mobilized, along with support from the Technical Relief Agency, known as THW, and the German Red Cross. Crews from Löhne, Enger, Herford, Hiddenhausen, and surrounding towns worked throughout the night, responding to reports of flooding, fallen trees, and lightning strikes.

One of the most alarming incidents occurred in the city center of Löhne, where a lightning bolt struck a building, prompting a rapid response from emergency services. Although initial reports do not confirm injuries, the danger posed by such a strike in a populated area highlights the severity of the storm. Firefighters secured the area, checked for fire hazards, and ensured the structure was safe.

In addition to lightning damage, widespread flooding created major challenges for both residents and emergency workers. Roads became impassable as rainwater overwhelmed drainage systems, causing flash floods that stranded vehicles and inundated basements. Streets were blocked by fallen branches and trees, some of which had been completely uprooted by the strong winds.

Local officials have praised the swift and tireless work of first responders. Crews worked in difficult conditions, navigating flooded streets, dealing with power outages, and making sure that residents in the most affected areas were safe. In some neighborhoods, sandbags were deployed to protect homes and businesses from rising water levels.

By early Sunday morning, as the skies began to clear, the full impact of the storm in the Herford district became visible. Clean-up operations were already underway, with crews removing debris, clearing roadways, and assessing damage to infrastructure. Residents were urged to remain cautious, as some areas still posed risks due to downed power lines and unstable trees.

This event is yet another reminder of how quickly severe weather can strike, and how important it is to be prepared. Meteorologists have noted that such storms are becoming more frequent and more intense, likely tied to shifting climate patterns in the region. For now, the Herford community is focused on recovery—repairing damage, helping neighbors, and thanking the emergency workers who worked through the night to protect lives and property.

As weather patterns grow increasingly unpredictable, staying informed and alert remains key. The storm in the Herford district may have passed, but its effects will be felt for days to come. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the clean-up continues.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and always respect the power of nature.