Catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide estimates that insured losses from Extratropical Cyclone Niklas will range between EUR 1.0 billion ($1.099 billion) and EUR 1.9 billion ($2.087 billion), with the majority of losses in Germany. Losses also occurred in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland and the UK. AIR’s estimates include wind damage to onshore residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural properties (and their contents) and automobiles.

“On March 29, a low pressure system (Niklas) formed and then strengthened the next day as it moved southeastward over Europe,” said Yörn Tatge, managing director of AIR Worldwide GmbH. “On March 31, Niklas developed into a strong storm centered over Denmark and the southern Baltic Sea, bringing high winds and heavy precipitation to Germany and parts of the U.K. By the evening of March 31, Niklas’ cold front arrived in the alpine region of Germany, causing widespread intense precipitation and strong squalls. Recorded wind speeds for Niklas across Germany ranged from 119 km/h in various coastal areas and on Wasserkuppe, 151 km/h on Feldberg in the Black Forest, up to the maximum reported measurement of 192 km/h on Zugspitze, which is Germany’s highest mountain.”

Niklas continued to move eastward, causing intermittent squalls, heavy precipitation, and thunderstorms, as well as snowstorms in locations less than 500 meters above sea level. The storms felled trees that damaged vehicles and buildings, including their roofs and façades, and disrupted rail and air travel during the busy holiday season.