Cyclone Andrea

Netherlands

As the storm crossed the North Sea, the combination of low pressure, shallow waters and high winds piling water against the coast led to a storm surge that developed along the coast.^[1] Across Europe's North Sea coast, the storm surge and heavy rains led to flooding. ^[7] The first week of January 2012 brought 70–90 mm (2.8–3.5 in) of rain in the Netherlands, the usual amount for the whole of January. Storm Andrea brought strong winds (up to force 9) thunder and hail^[8] Due to the high sea levels, the heavy rainfall could not be discharged as easily from the land without the risk of coastal flooding.^[9]

In the West coast of the Netherlands, high water was recorded at 2.30 m (7.5 ft) above normal at the Hook of Holland, with Rotterdam expecting sea levels 2.48 m (8.1 ft) above normal.^[10] Operations in the port of Rotterdam were limited with eleven ships unable to leave, and two unable to enter. Pilot services for vessels coming into the port were also restricted.^[11] Most flights were disrupted at Amsterdam Schiphol airport. Ferry services were also withdrawn to the Islands off the Dutch coast.^[9]

Dyke leaking in northern Netherlands in danger of breaching saw residents evacuated by the army and police^[12][13]

Germany

In Nord Rhein Westphalia the Rhine rose to flood levels close to Cologne, with vessels restricted to the middle of the river and flood defences being deployed.^[14] The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) issued warnings for expected storm surges along the Northern German coast in North Frisia and Hamburg.^[14] Trees fell onto power lines in the state of Saxony, leaving thousands without power, also in middle Saxony and Bautzen. In Regensburg the roof of a furniture store was badly damaged. Damage to the English Garden in Munich. A local train is derailed by a fallen tree at Reken in Münsterland, four passengers and the driver escaped without harm. Railway was closed after a tree fell on a train in Geltendorf, Augsburg.^[14]

Belgium, France

In Nord Pas De Calais 5800 homes were left without power. In the port of Calais the SeaFrance ferry Berlioz slipped its moorings and crossed the harbour before striking the Ile de Batz, a cable laying ship belonging to Alcatel during winds of 110 km/h (68 mph) according to the harbourmaster.^[15] Also in Étaples a wind turbine lost two blades.^[16][17] The Belgian met office issued a code orange warning for the whole country and the Øresund Bridge was also closed between Denmark and Sweden due to the storm.^[7] In Belgium the roof of a school blown off in Quenast, Walloon Brabant. Liège Airport experienced flight delays with 2 cargo planes being forced to divert to other airports. Rising river levels were reported across the country.^[18]