Pomerania Storm Tragedy: Gale-Force Winds Batter Region, One Motorist Killed, Three Injured, Power Out

Gdańsk, Poland— Severe gale-force winds swept through the Pomerania region on October 20, toppling trees and leaving one motorist dead and three injured after trees fell onto cars and blocked major roads.

The gale hit in the early afternoon. Winds gusted up to 110 kilometers per hour along the Baltic coast and 95 kilometers per hour inland. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management had issued an orange alert, warning of damaging winds. Within an hour, emergency services received more than 200 calls. Trees fell onto power lines, houses, and vehicles.

The fatal accident occurred near Wejherowo, northwest of Gdańsk, on the S6 expressway. A large pine tree, uprooted by wind, fell onto a moving car. The driver, a 45-year-old man, died at the scene. His passenger, his wife, was injured and taken to hospital. In two other incidents near Słupsk and Kartuzy, falling branches injured three more people, including one motorist whose windshield was smashed by a falling tree.

Firefighters in Pomerania carried out more than 300 interventions. They cut fallen trees, secured roofs torn off by wind, and cleared roads. Power was out for more than 20,000 households by evening, according to Energa operator. Rail traffic between Gdańsk and Szczecin was delayed after trees fell onto tracks. The main A1 motorway was briefly closed near Gdańsk after a truck was toppled by wind.

The Pomeranian voivode's crisis center said the winds were caused by a deep low-pressure system moving from the North Sea over the Baltic. Similar gales hit Germany and Denmark earlier in the day. Climate experts said autumn gales are becoming more intense due to warmer sea surface temperatures. "The contrast between warm air over the Baltic and cold air from the north creates strong jets," a forecaster said.

Residents were told to stay indoors, avoid forests, and not park under trees. Schools in several counties closed early. The port of Gdańsk suspended loading operations due to high winds. One fisherman said his boat was damaged in the harbor.

By evening, winds began to ease but remain strong. Firefighters continue to clear roads. Energy crews are working to restore power. The victim's identity has not been released. The three injured are in stable condition.