BERLIN, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- At least one person was killed and several others were injured as severe storms battered several German states overnight, damaging homes, uprooting trees and disrupting outdoor activities, authorities said on Thursday.
In Waldorf in the western state of Rhineland-Palatinate, a 58-year-old woman was killed and a 47-year-old woman seriously injured after an uprooted tree crashed onto a covered seating area where they had sought shelter from the storm, police said.
Elsewhere in the state, strong winds tore walls from houses, uprooted trees and sent facade elements and other debris flying, causing further damage.
In the eastern state of Brandenburg, a tornado struck Fuerstenwalde, leaving three people with minor injuries, according to regional broadcaster rbb. The German Weather Service (DWD) confirmed that a tornado had occurred.
A tornado was also reported in the central state of Hesse, where dozens of houses were damaged and some were left uninhabitable.
Storm-related incidents were also reported in the central state of Thuringia and the southern state of Bavaria, including uprooted trees, flooded basements and damage caused by fallen trees.
The DWD warned that further severe storms could hit Germany, particularly the southern states of Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria. ■
