A tornado swept through the western German city of Paderborn, injuring at least 30 people as it blew away roofs, toppled trees and sent debris flying for miles, authorities said.
Meteorologists had warned that heavy rainfall and hail were expected in western and central Germany, with storms producing wind gusts up to 130km/h. Storms had already disrupted traffic, uprooted trees that toppled onto rail tracks and roads and flooded hundreds of basements in western Germany.
Paderborn police said 43 people were injured in the storm that hit the city. Thirty were being treated in hospitals and 10 of those were seriously injured. One woman was in a life-threatening condition, police said.
They urged people to remain in their houses so as not to hamper rescue efforts or endanger themselves.
