Storm surge sweeps across northern Germany
A storm surge has inundated parts of northern Germany, including Hamburg's world-renowned fish market. Europe has been battered by devastating winters storms this year, with meteorologists expecting more soon.
Storm surge moves in
Storm system Benjamin saw floods waters rush across parts of northern Germany and the Netherlands. In Hamburg, the world-renowned fish market was submerged under water.
Dangerous floods
According to Germany's federal maritime agency, a storm surge occurs when flood waters exceed 1.5 meters (5 feet). The agency said that in Hamburg, water levels had already reached 1.88 meters by 5 pm local time (1600 UTC).
Heading for safety
Ferry services to Helgoland and other German islands were suspended ahead of the surge. But one ferry worker was caught in the storm and had to swim to reach part of the port on Borkum.
Ride the tide
While some avoided the storm, others took it as an opportunity for adventure. Kite surfer Marcel Konkel was of the latter. He took to the water to enjoy the winds ahead of the storm's full force. But meteorologists warned that gale-force winds reaching more than 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) were soon to come.
Damaged goods
Although there has yet to be a damage assessment, authorities have prepared for the worst. In some areas, tow trucks had to be used to pull inundated vehicles out of flooded areas.