International statistics on storms: Europe

The following statistics do not constitute scientific proof that the wind climate has changed in recent decades. They may only be regarded as a not absolutely safe basis for extrapolating the frequencies and intensities of windstorms that are to be expected in the future.

Indicating, as they do, the possibility of an increasing windstorm hazard in Europe, however, they should not be ignored and must be taken seriously by conscientious risk carriers and given a place in their considerations.

Table 3: The development of strong low-pressure areas over the North Atlantic and Europe as an indicator of windstorm activity (extratropical cyclones) over Europe. It is noticeable that there were many more intense lowpressure systems in the 1980s and 1990s. It remains to be seen whether the development that has been observed in recent years, with strong low-pressure systems becoming less frequent, will continue.

Table 4: The number of days with gale force winds (Bft 8) increased at some meteorological stations in Germany during the period from 1969 to 1999.