Formed 15 December 2011 Lowest pressure 966 mbar | Dissipated 22 December 2011 Highest gust 212 km/h (131 mph) | |
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Type European windstorm
extratropical cyclone Areas affected British Isles, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland | ||
Joachim is the name given to a European windstorm which caused major damage in much of Western Europe between December 16–17, 2011. Winds gusting to 212 km/h (132 mph) were recorded on the summit of Puy de Dome in France.
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Impact
In Brittany, on the north-western coast of France, the cargo ship TK Bremen was blown aground. The nineteen-man crew was evacuated by helicopter, and the ship later disassembled. Major damage occurred on the Spanish coast.
At least 400,000 people were without power in France.
In the canton of Bern in Switzerland, a train was derailed between Tramelan and Tavannes by a tree that fell immediately in front of the train. The forward cars plunged into the forest. Miraculously, only three passengers suffered minor injuries.
Roofs and trees were blown away, and all navigation on the Swiss lakes was closed.
The wind was followed by polar air, and the rain turning to snow at high altitudes and descending into the plain caused serious conditions. Most of the major ski resorts in Valais were closed, as well as numerous roads and tunnels.
Air traffic was affected.
Aftermath
According to Perils AG, property insurers may face costs of €300 million from the storm.