Extreme cold across Europe caused flooding in Germany and power outages in the Nordic region.

Extreme cold has disrupted normal life in the Nordic countries, leaving thousands without power, while western Europe grapples with floods caused by heavy rains. Gusty winds and snow in the Nordic region led to power outages and dangerous road conditions, with temperatures plummeting to as low as -43.6 degrees Celsius in Sweden.

Arctic Sweden witnessed approximately 4,000 homes losing power as temperatures dropped to -38 degrees Celsius, while Finland and Sweden experienced their coldest winter temperatures of below -40 degrees Celsius, resulting in school closures and travel disruptions. Denmark and Norway were also affected, causing delays for ferry passengers between Oslo and Copenhagen.

The Arctic cold wave is part of a larger storm affecting Western Europe, where France, Germany, and the Netherlands are grappling with floods due to heavy rains. In France, one death linked to the weather was reported, with several towns in the north underwater after continuous rain. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to inspect flood-affected areas, and the Baltic countries also felt the impact of the extreme cold.

The cold wave, originating from Siberia and the Arctic, has reached western Russia, with temperatures in Moscow dropping to minus 30 degrees Celsius. Orange weather warnings have been issued in Moscow and St. Petersburg, cautioning residents about potential health risks.

Meanwhile, in the UK, storm Henk caused disruptions, including a fatal incident where a tree fell on a car in western England. Power cuts, transport issues, and property damage have been reported, with over 300 flood warnings in England and Wales, leaving 10,000 homes without power. The UK rail network faced challenges, and the Isle of Wight recorded wind speeds of 151 kilometers per hour.

In the Netherlands, strong winds possibly contributed to the death of a 75-year-old cyclist near Eindhoven. Evacuations were underway near Maastricht due to rising water levels in the river Maas. In France, heavy rains forced evacuations and power cuts in the northern regions, with emergency workers mobilizing to rescue people and clear roads. Flood and wind warnings were maintained for several regions, with additional rains and winds forecasted.

Parts of Germany, particularly Lower Saxony, were dealing with flooding, with concerns that further rain could exacerbate the situation. The widespread weather-related challenges underscore the impact of extreme conditions on various European nations.