Storm Luise batters North Rhine-Westphalia with fallen trees and rail disruptions

Hurricane Luise has reached North Rhine-Westphalia, causing widespread storm damage and emergency service operations across the region on Friday evening. The German Weather Service issued official warnings as winds of 80-100 km/h were forecast, with gusts up to 90 km/h already measured in Aachen and Geilenkirchen. A tree fell onto an apartment building in Bochum, forcing residents to evacuate, while multiple rail lines were blocked by fallen trees. Several events were cancelled or closed early, including a fireworks display in Düsseldorf and a drone show in Recklinghausen. Parks and zoos in Dortmund and Düsseldorf shut for safety reasons, though no injuries have been reported so far.