{{short description|Winter storm that affected northern Europe in 2013}} {{About|the 2013 European storm|the 2011 European storm also called Xaver|Cyclone Berit}} {{distinguish|List of storms named Xavier {{!}} Tropical Storm Xavier}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}} {{Infobox weather event | image = Xaver 5 December 2013.jpg | caption = Xaver making landfall over Norway and Denmark on 5 December 2013. | formed = 4 December 2013 | dissipated = 10 December 2013 }} {{Infobox weather event/Winter storm | pressure = 962 | winds = {{convert|81|mph|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}}, Nissum Fjord, Denmark | gusts = {{convert|142|mph|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}}, Aonach Mòr, Scotland, U.K.<ref name="stv"/> }} {{Infobox weather event/Effects | fatalities = 15 | injuries = | damages = | areas = }} {{Infobox weather event/Footer | part-of = }} '''Cyclone Xaver''' (or '''Storm Xaver'''), also known as the '''North Sea flood''' or '''tidal surge of 2013''', was a winter storm that affected northern Europe. Force 12 winds and heavy snowfall were predicted along the storm's path, and there were warnings of a significant risk of storm surge leading to coastal flooding along the coasts of the North and Irish Seas.

==Names== thumbnail|Meteorological development of Xaver

The Free University of Berlin gave the storm its name (a German form of the name Xavier), given to the Berit storm of 2011. In Poland, the storm is named Ksawery, the local translation.<ref>[http://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wiadomosci/1,114871,15077211,_Ksawery__zbliza_sie_do_Polski__Juz_widac_go_na_mapach.html Gazeta.pl] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129014924/http://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wiadomosci/1%2C114871%2C15077211%2C_Ksawery__zbliza_sie_do_Polski__Juz_widac_go_na_mapach.html |date=29 November 2014 }}</ref>

The Danish Meteorological Institute abided by its alphabetical decision incepted shortly after the St. Jude storm six weeks before (which it retroactively named Allan), so named the storm Bodil.<ref name="TV2" >{{cite news|last=Brandt|first=Anders|title=Bodil, Sven, Xaver, Bud - kær storm har mange navne|url=http://vejret.tv2.dk/artikel/id-72961109:bodil-sven-xaver-bud--k%C3%A6r-storm-har-mange-navne.html|access-date=4 December 2013|newspaper=TV2|date=4 December 2013|language=da}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Stormen hedder Bodil|url=http://www.dmi.dk/nyheder/arkiv/nyheder-2013/12/stormen-hedder-bodil/|publisher=DMI|access-date=17 December 2013}}</ref>

The Swedish Meteorological Institute gave the storm the name Sven, after the name day of 5 December.<ref name="TV2" /> In the Netherlands the storm has been co-dubbed the "Sinterklaasstorm", where 5 December is traditionally celebrated as St. Nicholas Eve.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hulpdiensten op scherp voor storm|url=http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/22111259/__Hulpdiensten_op_scherp__.html|access-date=5 December 2013|newspaper=De Telegraaf|date=4 December 2013}}</ref> Twitter users in the UK were using the hashtags #scotstorm, #Xaver and #UKstorm.

The European Windstorm Centre, UK-based, preferred the name Cameron.<ref>[https://sites.google.com/site/europeanwindstormcenter/ European Windstorm Centre]. Sites.google.com. Retrieved on 4 February 2014.</ref>

==Meteorological history== Xaver formed to the south of Greenland on 4 December, and explosively deepened as it moved east to pass the north of Scotland on 5 December.<ref name="AIR">{{cite news|title=Extratropical Cyclone Xaver|url=http://alert.air-worldwide.com/EventSummary.aspx?e=726&tp=65&c=1|access-date=28 December 2013|newspaper=AIR worldwide|date=12 December 2013}}</ref> Over the next few days Xaver moved over Southern Norway and Sweden intensifying further, reaching its lowest pressure over the Baltic Sea.<ref name="AIR"/>

==Forecast== thumb|Surface pressure chart 12:00 UTC 5 December 2013 [[File:Storm tide Bremerhaven 2013-12-06 (2).jpg|thumb|Bremerhaven flooded by the waters of Weser River]]

The low pressure system formed on 4 December off the west coast of Iceland and was expected to deepen explosively overnight. The UK Met Office issued an amber warning over Scotland and northern parts of England, that wind gusts may reach {{cvt|90|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}.<ref name="bbc-bodil-1">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-25203209 |title=High wind warning for Scotland upgraded by Met Office |publisher=BBC |date=4 December 2013 |access-date=4 December 2013}}</ref> On 4 December the Environment Agency warned communities along the East Coast of England to prepare for the most serious tidal surge in 30 years, with a significant threat of coastal flooding between 5&ndash;7 December.<ref>{{cite news|title=Communities urged to prepare for worst east coast tidal surge in 30 years |url=http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/151065.aspx |access-date=4 December 2013 |newspaper=Environment Agency |date=4 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207081855/http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/151065.aspx |archive-date=7 December 2013 }}</ref>

The Dutch provinces of Friesland, Groningen and North Holland were placed on Red Alert, including the Waddenzee and freshwater IJsselmeer to its south. Winds of Force 9 – 11 were forecast.<ref name=Telegraaf22115051>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/22115051/__Code_rood_door_storm__.html |title=Code rood voor storm |trans-title=Code Red before storm |newspaper=De Telegraaf |language=nl |access-date=5 December 2013|date=5 December 2013 }}</ref>

Force 12 gusts were expected in Denmark.<ref name="dmi-bodil-1">{{cite web |url=http://www.dmi.dk/vejr/tjenester/varsler/ |title=Varsler: DMI |publisher=DMI |date=4 December 2013 |access-date=4 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216053502/http://www.dmi.dk/vejr/tjenester/varsler/ |archive-date=16 December 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In Sweden, the local meteorological institute gave a level 2 warning for central parts of the country due to heavy snowfall and formation of snow drifts.<ref name="smhi-bodil-1">{{cite web |url=https://www.smhi.se/vadret/vadret-i-sverige/Varningar |title=SMHI varningar |publisher=SMHI |date=4 December 2013 |access-date=4 December 2013}}</ref>

An extreme weather warning was given to far northwestern Germany due to {{cvt|85|mph|km/h|lk=off|sigfig=3|order=flip}} wind gusts.<ref name="dwd-bodil-1">{{cite web |url=http://www.dwd.de/dyn/app/ws/html/reports/NFK_warning_en.html#WS_ANCHOR_0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923230815/http://www.dwd.de/dyn/app/ws/html/reports/NFK_warning_en.html#WS_ANCHOR_0 |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 September 2015 |title=Deutscher Wetterdienst - warnings |publisher=Deutscher Wetterdienst |date=4 December 2013 |access-date=4 December 2013 }}</ref> Meteorologists there likened the early storm readings to those of the North Sea flood of 1962 in which 340 people lost their lives in Hamburg. They qualified the forecast with a note that the improved sea defences would withstand this storm surge.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gale-Force Winds: Germans Brace for Major Winter Storm|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germans-prepare-for-violent-storm-on-thursday-a-937226.html|access-date=5 December 2013|newspaper=Der Spiegel|date=4 December 2013}}</ref>

===Preparation=== The oil platform Buchan Alpha, northeast of Aberdeen was evacuated due to the upcoming storm.<ref name="bbc-bodil-2">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-25219943 |title=Workers off Talisman Sinopec oil platform Buchan Alpha over bad weather forecast |publisher=BBC |date=4 December 2013 |access-date=4 December 2013}}</ref> East Coast trains announced on 4 December that they expected to run fewer services the next day.<ref>{{cite news|last=Clapham|first=Lucy|title=Risk of flooding along Norfolk coast and severe weather warnings issued across the east as winds of up to {{cvt|80|mph|km/h}} set to batter region|url=http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/risk_of_flooding_along_norfolk_coast_and_severe_weather_warnings_issued_across_the_east_as_winds_of_up_to_80mph_set_to_batter_region_1_3076629|access-date=4 December 2013|newspaper=Eastern Daily Press|date=4 December 2013|archive-date=6 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206100004/http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/risk_of_flooding_along_norfolk_coast_and_severe_weather_warnings_issued_across_the_east_as_winds_of_up_to_80mph_set_to_batter_region_1_3076629|url-status=dead}}</ref> First ScotRail planned to not run trains before 7:00 am on 5 December and expected around 20 routes to be closed. Network Rail advised to expect delays and disruption in northern and eastern England.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wind and coastal flood warning for Scotland and England|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25220224|access-date=4 December 2013|newspaper=BBC News|date=4 December 2013}}</ref> In Leeds roads around Bridgewater Place, a tower, were closed to keep to a Coroner's ruling to do so when wind gusts reach {{cvt|45|mph|km/h}}, after the death of a man by a truck blown over by a vortex in 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=Roads around Bridgewater Place to be closed due to wind|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-25217165|access-date=4 December 2013|newspaper=BBC News|date=4 December 2013}}</ref> People living in Great Yarmouth were told to prepare to evacuate in case the Yare flooded.<ref>{{cite news|title=People in Great Yarmouth have been warned to be prepared to evacuate their homes|url=http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/people_in_great_yarmouth_have_been_warned_to_be_prepared_to_evacuate_their_homes_1_3077264|access-date=5 December 2013|newspaper=Eastern Daily Press|date=4 December 2013|archive-date=5 December 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131205093646/http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/people_in_great_yarmouth_have_been_warned_to_be_prepared_to_evacuate_their_homes_1_3077264|url-status=dead}}</ref> In London, the Thames Barrier closed around high tides to protect from any surge up the Thames Estuary,<ref>{{cite news|title=UK storm 'to bring flooding and strong winds'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-25228654|access-date=5 December 2013|newspaper=BBC News|date=4 December 2013}}</ref> closing for the 126th time in its 31 years of service.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pentland|first=William|title=What London Would Have Looked Like On Friday Without Flood Defenses|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/williampentland/2013/12/08/what-london-would-have-looked-like-on-friday-without-flood-defenses/|access-date=13 December 2013|newspaper=Forbes|date=8 December 2013}}</ref>

==Impact== The storm brought gusts up to {{cvt|142|mph|km/h|order=flip}} to upland Scotland. Lower lands in the UK and mainland Europe saw some damaging gusts. The European coast from the Netherlands to Denmark saw notable gusts, the maximum averaging about {{cvt|81|mph|km/h|order=flip}}. One point on the Danish-German border peaking at {{cvt|98|mph|km/h|order=flip}}.<ref name="BrianKahn">{{cite news|last=Kahn|first=Brian|title=Xaver Packs Punch in Europe But Barriers Hold|url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2013/dec/06/xaver-packs-punch-in-europe-but-barriers-hold/|access-date=25 January 2014|newspaper=AP via Kitaspun|date=6 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201204419/https://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2013/dec/06/xaver-packs-punch-in-europe-but-barriers-hold/|archive-date=1 February 2014}}</ref> Poland saw maximum gusts averaging about {{convert|85|mph|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}}.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Ribeiro|first1=Ramos|last2=Rudge|first2=Rodrigo|last3=Dorota|first3=Rucińska|title=Analysis of physical factors of the windstorm Xaver in Poland: post-hazard review|journal=Weather|volume=72|issue=12|pages=378|date=15 September 2017|doi=10.1002/wea.2983|bibcode=2017Wthr...72..378R|s2cid=125478248 }}</ref>

Winds brought down a life-size ''Tyrannosaurus rex'' model at Klimahaus Bremerhaven.<ref name="BrianKahn"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Unser Dino hat den Orkan letzte Nacht leider nicht heil überstanden…|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=576378779100627&et=a.149972438407932.37820.145553058849870&ype=1&heater|publisher=Facebook timeline: Klimahaus Bremerhaven|access-date=25 January 2014}}</ref>

===Transport===

====Rail==== In Scotland, at 8&nbsp;a.m. on 5 December 2013 Glasgow Central station was evacuated after the glass roof was broken by flying debris. ScotRail later cancelled all services in Scotland due to debris including "trampolines, hay bales and trees" falling on the train lines.<ref name="stv">{{cite news|title=Storm with gales of up to 142mph batter Scotland causing disruption|url=http://news.stv.tv/scotland/251681-storm-with-gales-of-up-to-142mph-batter-scotland-causing-disruption/|access-date=5 December 2013|newspaper=STV|date=4 December 2013|archive-date=8 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208041850/http://news.stv.tv/scotland/251681-storm-with-gales-of-up-to-142mph-batter-scotland-causing-disruption/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Rail Net Denmark announced that all rail transport would come to a halt for the afternoon of 5 December.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ertman|first=Berit|title=Banedanmark lukker for al togdrift|url=http://jyllands-posten.dk/indland/trafik/ECE6311458/banedanmark-lukker-for-al-togdrift/|access-date=5 December 2013|newspaper=Jyllands Posten|date=5 December 2013|language=da}}</ref> This is the first time all trains in the country have been cancelled. All rail services were cancelled in the Swedish region of Skåne.<ref name="BBC460">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25243460|title=Deadly storm and tidal surge batter northern Europe|work=BBC News|access-date=8 December 2013|date=6 December 2013}}</ref> Rail services across Northern Germany were affected with cancellations across Schleswig-Holstein.<ref name="BBC460"/> The East Suffolk Line (South East England/East Anglia) was closed due to flooding at six locations between {{rws|Lowestoft}} and {{rws|Haddiscoe}}. Services between Lowestoft and {{rws|Beccles}} had not been restored as of 12 December 2013.<ref name=BBC25347313>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-25347313 |title=Storm-hit Lowestoft to Beccles train line still closed |publisher=BBC News Online |access-date=12 December 2013|work=BBC News |date=12 December 2013 }}</ref>

====Road==== Friarton Bridge, Perth, Scotland was closed due to an overturned lorry as a result of the storm,<ref name="stv"/> as was the Redheugh Bridge between Newcastle and Gateshead in England,<ref>{{cite news|last=Lawson|first=Ruth|title=Watch: Redheugh Bridge closed after lorry blown over|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/watch-redheugh-bridge-newcastle-city-6374571|access-date=6 December 2013|newspaper=Chronicle Live|date=5 December 2013}}</ref> as was the Ouse Bridge of M62 motorway over the Ouse.<ref>{{cite news|title=WEATHER UPDATES: M62 west of Hull closed after lorry crashes on Ouse Bridge|url=http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/WEATHER-UPDATES-M62-west-Hull-closed-lorry/story-20266792-detail/story.html|access-date=6 December 2013|newspaper=Hull Daily Mail|date=5 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207063410/http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/WEATHER-UPDATES-M62-west-Hull-closed-lorry/story-20266792-detail/story.html|archive-date=7 December 2013}}</ref>

Forth Bridge closed due to an unlawfully high-sided (in the weather) van being driven onto and abandoned on it.<ref>[http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/transport/reckless-man-abandons-van-on-forth-road-bridge-1-3223113 ‘Reckless’ man abandons van on Forth Road Bridge - Edinburgh Evening News]. Edinburghnews.scotsman.com (6 December 2013). Retrieved on 4 February 2014.</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-scotland-25372502 BBC News - CCTV shows van blown around on Forth Bridge]. Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved on 4 February 2014.</ref> Tay and Skye bridges were closed.

In downtown Stavanger, Norway, on the evening of 5 December road traffic and pedestrians were forbidden due to the risk of falling tiles and masonry.

====Sea==== <!--The IoM is NOT part of the UK-->The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company cancelled ferries to and from Douglas due to winds forecast to reach Force 9.<ref name=BBC25233547>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-25233547 |title=Severe gales cancel Isle of Man ferry sailings |publisher=BBC News Online |access-date=5 December 2013|work=BBC News |date=5 December 2013 }}</ref> in Stavanger, Norway several local ferry services were cancelled.

====Air==== Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports were affected by the storm. With an Easyjet flight to Edinburgh struck by lightning and unable to land diverted to Newcastle.<ref name="BBC460"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Emanuel|first=Louis|title=Flight from Bristol hit by lightning and diverted from Edinburgh to Newcastle |url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Flight-Bristol-hit-lightning-diverted-Edinburgh/story-20266058-detail/story.html|access-date=8 December 2013|newspaper=Bristol Post|date=5 December 2013}}</ref> Another flight from London attempted to land at both Glasgow and Edinburgh before diverting to Manchester.<ref>{{cite news|title=Like a roller coaster: EasyJet plane from London aborts landings at Glasgow and Edinburgh|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/like-a-roller-coaster-easyjet-plane-from-london-aborts-landings-at-glasgow-and-edinbu.1386254453|access-date=8 December 2013|newspaper=Herald Scotland|date=5 December 2013}}</ref> Further south in England video of planes attempting to land at Birmingham Airport in cross winds was posted on the internet, with several flights being forced to re-route to other airports, after failing to land.<ref>{{cite news|title=UK weather: Dramatic footage shows planes unable to land at Birmingham Airport amid gale-force winds|url=https://metro.co.uk/2013/12/05/uk-weather-dramatic-footage-shows-planes-unable-to-land-at-birmingham-airport-amid-gale-force-winds-4218358/|access-date=8 December 2013|newspaper=Metro|date=5 December 2013}}</ref>

In Norway, Stavanger Airport was closed to inbound and outbound flights by the storm winds.<ref>{{cite news|title=Storm cancels flights, ferries|url=https://www.newsinenglish.no/2013/12/05/storm-cancels-flights-ferries/|access-date=6 December 2013|newspaper=Newsinenglish.no|date=5 December 2013}}</ref> Stavanger's major helicopter hub was closed and all the crafts grounded, pausing in service for North Sea oil platforms.

In Sweden Gothenburg's Göteborg Landvetter Airport and Malmö Airport saw planes grounded.<ref name="BBC460"/> Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Hamburg Airport and Berlin Tegel all reported some disruption.<ref name="BBC460"/> Flights to and from Denmark were cancelled, with Billund Airport, Aalborg Airport and Copenhagen Airport all closed.

===Energy disruptions=== [[File:Baltasound repairs.jpg|thumbnail|Repairing electricity cables in the wake of Xaver, Baltasound, Unst, Shetland.]]

Homes losing power (including brief blackouts/brownouts) totalled: *400,000 in Poland.<ref name="au.news.yahoo.com">{{cite news |url=http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/20201634/europe-winter-storm-claims-10-lives/ |title=Europe winter storm claims 10 lives |newspaper=Yahoo! News |date=7 December 2013}}</ref> *50,000 in Sweden.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tiotusentals hushåll utan ström|url=https://www.svt.se/nyheter/sverige/tiotusentals-hushall-utan-strom|access-date=7 December 2013|newspaper=SVT|date=6 December 2013|language=sv}}</ref> *About 135,000 in the North East (so includes some of total below), Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.<ref>{{cite news|title=All customers who lost power in Thursday's storm have their service restored|url=http://www.northernpowergrid.com/news/all_customers_who_lost_power_in_thursdays_storm_have_power_restored.cfm|access-date=9 December 2013|newspaper=Northern Powergrid|date=8 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213065212/http://www.northernpowergrid.com/news/all_customers_who_lost_power_in_thursdays_storm_have_power_restored.cfm|archive-date=13 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> *20,000 in Cumbria in the North West; and Teesside, North East England.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fierce storms force mass evacuations in England as man is killed|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-25228834|access-date=8 December 2013|newspaper=BBC News|date=6 December 2013}}</ref> *20,000 in Scotland.<ref name=itv>{{cite news|title=Gales hit UK: 20,000 without power in Scotland|url=http://www.itv.com/news/story/2013-12-04/severe-uk-weather-warnings-gales-and-flooding/|access-date=5 December 2013|newspaper=ITV|date=4 December 2013}}</ref> *6,500 in Northern Ireland.<ref>{{cite news|title=Strong winds leave 6,500 customers without power says NIE|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-25224147|access-date=5 December 2013|newspaper=BBC|date=4 December 2013}}</ref>

==Storm surge== [[File:2013-12-06 Orkan Xaver in Warnemünde 12.jpg|thumb|Cyclone Xaver unleashing high waves near Warnemünde, Germany]] Xaver brought a significant storm surge to Northern Europe. England reported about 1,710 homes flooded and two deaths.<ref name="RMS">{{cite news|title=Windstorm Xaver|url=http://www.reactionsnet.com/RMSArticle/3286834/Windstorm-Xaver.html|access-date=28 December 2013|newspaper=RMS|date=19 December 2013|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230234519/http://www.reactionsnet.com/RMSArticle/3286834/Windstorm-Xaver.html|archive-date=30 December 2013}}</ref><ref name="ITVcleanup">{{cite news|title=Clean up of tidal surge as communities count the cost|url=http://www.itv.com/news/update/2013-12-07/clean-up-of-tidal-surge-as-communities-count-the-cost/|access-date=9 December 2013|newspaper=ITV|date=9 December 2013}}</ref>

===Irish Sea=== In the Irish sea flooding was worst along the north coast of Wales and west coast of England, as the storm surge hit southwest at high tide. On Thursday, hundreds of people were evacuated from Rhyl, Denbighshire amid much flooding.<ref>{{cite news|title=North Wales coast escapes fresh flooding overnight|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-25245148|publisher=BBC|access-date=6 December 2013|work=BBC News|date=6 December 2013}}</ref> North Wales saw 300 homes flooded,<ref name="RMS"/> mostly in Rhyl. Its other notable floods were in Kinmel Bay and Llanddulas in Conwy.<ref name="BBC682" >{{cite news|title=Rhyl floods probe to improve future resilience, says minister|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-25329682|access-date=11 December 2013|newspaper=BBC News|date=11 December 2013}}</ref>

Flooding in New Brighton, Merseyside, left cars and businesses flooded at Marine Point and Kings Parade. Police deterred the promenade and Vale Park from use.<ref>{{cite news|title=Flooding in New Brighton leaves cars and shops under water|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-25232665|access-date=6 December 2013|newspaper=BBC News|date=5 December 2013}}</ref> In Blackpool the town's North Pier was lashed, compromising some supporting piles.<ref>{{cite news|last=Berentzen|first=Paul|title=£1m damage as storms devastate North Pier|url=http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/1m-damage-as-storms-devastate-north-pier-1-6301652|access-date=8 December 2013|newspaper=Blackpool Gazette|date=7 December 2013}}</ref> Water levels at both were the highest since 1987.<ref name="Sibley">{{cite journal|last1=Sibley|first1=Andrew|last2=Cox|first2=Dave|last3=Titley|first3=Helen|title=Coastal flooding in England and Wales from Atlantic and North Sea storms during the 2013/2014 winter|journal=Weather|date=February 2015|volume=70|issue=2|pages=62–70|doi=10.1002/wea.2471|bibcode = 2015Wthr...70...62S |doi-access=free}}</ref>

In Whitehaven, Cumbria the stone-built Old Quay dating from 1634 was damaged.<ref>{{cite web|title=400-year-old sea wall the biggest west Cumbrian storm casualty|url=http://www.itv.com/news/border/update/2013-12-05/400-year-old-sea-wall-the-biggest-west-cumbrian-storm-casualty/|access-date=6 December 2013|newspaper=ITV |date=5 December 2013}}</ref>

===Atlantic coasts=== On the Scottish west coast the main street and esplanade of Oban were flooded.<ref>{{cite news|title=Winds batter West Highlands and islands|url=http://www.obantimes.co.uk/2013/12/05/winds-batter-west-highlands-and-islands/|access-date=6 December 2013|newspaper=The Oban Times|date=5 December 2013}}</ref>

In Northern Ireland the town of Portstewart saw waves crash over the promenade and a children's playground flooded.

===North Sea=== ====Context==== North Sea storm surges of similar scale average 1.5 per decade: 15 are listed to have occurred between 1883 and 1979.<ref name="Steers" >{{cite journal|last1=Steers|first1=J. A.|last2=Stoddart|first2= D. R.|last3= Bayliss-Smith|first3= T. P.|last4= Spencer|first4= T.|last5= Durbidge|first5= P. M.|title=The Storm Surge of 11 January 1978 on the East Coast of England|journal=The Geographical Journal|date=July 1979|volume=145|issue=2|pages=192–205|jstor=634386|doi=10.2307/634386|bibcode=1979GeogJ.145..192S }}</ref>

====Timing around coasts==== On entering the North Sea, the storm surge propagated with the tide along the east coast of Scotland and England from north to south, proceeding anticlockwise around the southern North Sea coast to the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark.<ref>{{cite news|title=Storm surge warning for mainland Europe|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-europe-25242991|access-date=28 December 2013|newspaper=BBC Weather|date=5 December 2013}}</ref><ref name="MOcase">{{cite web|title=Case Studies: Floods and Flooding|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/education/teens/case-studies/floods|publisher=Met Office|access-date=5 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105093436/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/education/teens/case-studies/floods|archive-date=5 November 2013}}</ref>

====Scale==== The Environment Agency described the storm surge as the most serious in 60 years,<ref>{{cite news|title=16:30 Update: Environment Agency issues further severe flood warnings from North Lincolnshire to Kent|url=http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/151075.aspx|access-date=22 February 2014|newspaper=Environment Agency|date=5 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219225719/http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/151075.aspx|archive-date=19 February 2014}}</ref> with water heights exceeding those of the 1953 flood and 1978 North Sea storm surge at localised points in North Shields and the Humber Estuary.<ref name="Steers" /><ref name="IOC">{{cite news|title=Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility|url=https://www.ioc-sealevelmonitoring.org/|access-date=14 December 2013|newspaper=UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission}}</ref>

{| |+ Water levels during the storm surge of 2013 (metres A.O.D.)<ref name="IOC"/> |- ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Location ! scope="col" | country ! scope="col" | Height in metres above datum ! scope="col" | Time (UTC) and date |- | Lerwick || {{flagicon|SCO}} || 1.19 || 12:15 5/12/13 |- | Wick || {{flagicon|SCO}} || 2.07 || 12:45 5/12/13 |- | Aberdeen || {{flagicon|SCO}} || 2.65 || 15:00 5/12/13 |- | Leith || {{flagicon|SCO}} || 3.42 || 15:15 5/12/13 |- | North Shields || {{flagicon|ENG}} || 3.58 || 16:15 5/12/13 |- | Whitby || {{flagicon|ENG}} || 3.77 || 17:15 5/12/13 |- | Immingham || {{flagicon|ENG}} || 5.80 || 19:00 5/12/13 |- | Cromer || {{flagicon|ENG}} || 3.43 || 19:45 5/12/13 |- | Lowestoft || {{flagicon|ENG}} || 2.97 || 22:30 5/12/13 |- | Harwich || {{flagicon|ENG}} || 3.28 || 01:45 6/12/13 |- | Sheerness || {{flagicon|ENG}} || 3.93 || 02:00 6/12/13 |- | Herne Bay || {{flagicon|ENG}} || 4.20 || 01:36 6/12/13 |- | Dover || {{flagicon|ENG}} || 4.72 || 00:45 6/12/13 |- | Ostend || {{flagicon|BEL}} || 3.75 || 02:00 6/12/13 |- | Borkum || {{flagicon|GER}} || 3.53 || 00:20 6/12/13 |- | Heligoland Binnenhafen || {{flagicon|GER}} || 3.32 || 01:08 6/12/13 |- | Cuxhaven || {{flagicon|GER}} || 4.28 || 01:27 6/12/13 |- | Hirtshals || {{flagicon|DEN}} || 1.32 || 12:00 6/12/13 |- | Gothenburg Torshamnen || {{flagicon|SWE}} || 1.10 || 15:43 6/12/13 |}

====England==== The surge caused the Tyne in Newcastle to breach its banks. The Tees overtopped its estuary into the village of Port Clarance (north) causing a mass-blackout opposite, in Middlesbrough. It breached a sea wall on Greatham Creek alongside Billingham docks, later repaired using RAF Chinook helicopters.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hartlepool power station December 2013 monthly report|url=https://www.edfenergy.com/about-us/energy-generation/nuclear-generation/nuclear-power-stations/station-reports/hartlepool/HRA_December_2013.pdf|access-date=2 April 2014|newspaper=EDF Energy|date=January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407061224/https://www.edfenergy.com/about-us/energy-generation/nuclear-generation/nuclear-power-stations/station-reports/hartlepool/HRA_December_2013.pdf|archive-date=7 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Flood defence repairs continue|url=http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/local/flood-defence-repairs-continue-1-6303293|access-date=2 April 2014|newspaper=Hartlepool Mail|date=9 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211030714/http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/local/flood-defence-repairs-continue-1-6303293|archive-date=11 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Floods in Whitby just south of that region saw an electrical substation short out or 'explode'<ref>{{cite news|title=Reports of sub station explosion in Whitby|url=http://www.itv.com/news/calendar/update/2013-12-05/reports-of-sub-station-explosion-in-whitby/|access-date=6 December 2013|newspaper=ITV Calendar|date=5 December 2013}}</ref> and flooded 200 homes.<ref name="RMS"/> On the same the Yorkshire coast Scarborough and Bridlington had some flooding. thumbnail|Defences overtopped at Victoria Dock, Hull

Around the Humber Estuary, Spurn Point nature reserve was closed in readiness. In Cleethorpes the promenade saw mild flooding and nearby holiday parks suffered damage. In adjoining Grimsby water overwhelmed the dock gates,<ref>{{cite web|title=PHOTOS: Sea water breaks defences on Humberside|url=http://www.itv.com/news/calendar/story/2013-12-05/huge-tidal-surge-to-hit-east-yorkshire-coast/#photos-sea-water-breaks-defences-on-humberside_295891|publisher=ITV Calendar|access-date=6 December 2013}}</ref> partly drained in readiness, the water was able to be contained, and did not flood into the town.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dock's actions praised or 'whole of West Marsh would have been under water'|url=http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/Dock-s-actions-praised/story-20274122-detail/story.html|work=Grimsby Telegraph|access-date=8 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213042655/http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/Dock-s-actions-praised/story-20274122-detail/story.html|archive-date=13 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> As the water was funnelled up the Humber Estuary the surge level increased. Humberside Police declared a state of emergency as it reached a record height of {{cvt|5.8|m|ft}} against Hull's shore.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tides hit record levels in Hull|url=http://www.itv.com/news/calendar/update/2013-12-05/tides-hit-record-levels-in-hull/|access-date=6 December 2013|newspaper=ITV Calendar|date=5 December 2013}}</ref> East of the city the village of Paull flooded. The River Hull tidal surge barrier was lowered, protecting swathes of the city. Some flooding occurred in the city centre, Victoria Docks, and Hessle foreshore to homes and businesses; and around Albert Dock.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/general-news/agency-urged-to-fix-flaw-in-hull-s-flood-defences-1-6415880| title = Agency urged to fix flaw in Hull's flood defences| date = 4 February 2014| work = Yorkshire Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url = http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Hull-floods-report-Raise-level-Albert-Dock/story-20551179-detail/story.html| title = Hull floods report: 'Raise level of Albert Dock defences'| first = Angus| last = Young| date = 4 February 2014| work = Hull Daily Mail| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714205154/http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Hull-floods-report-Raise-level-Albert-Dock/story-20551179-detail/story.html| archive-date = 14 July 2014 }}</ref> The A63 road through the city was closed until midday 6 December, flooded. Humberside Police released aerial footage from further up the Humber showing great flooding across North Lincolnshire and the East Riding, along the Trent and Ouse.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hull and north Lincolnshire floods clean-up begins|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-25253833|access-date=6 December 2013|newspaper=BBC News|date=6 December 2013}}</ref> East Riding of Yorkshire Council counted 210 homes and 45 commercial properties flooded.<ref>{{cite news|title=Council continues flood recovery:Updated 12 December|url=http://www2.eastriding.gov.uk/say/news/council-on-standby-to-respond-to-gale-force-winds-and-high-tides/|access-date=13 February 2014|publisher=East Riding of Yorkshire Council|date=12 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131211192531/http://www2.eastriding.gov.uk/say/news/council-on-standby-to-respond-to-gale-force-winds-and-high-tides/|archive-date=11 December 2013}}</ref> 500 properties flooded in North Lincolnshire across 11 villages.<ref>{{cite news|title=Latest flooding update - the A1077 is to be reopened|url=http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/your-council/about-your-council/news/latest-news/latest-flooding-update-the-a1077-is-to-be-reopened/|access-date=11 December 2013|newspaper=North Lincolnshire Council|date=9 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214162533/http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/your-council/about-your-council/news/latest-news/latest-flooding-update-the-a1077-is-to-be-reopened/|archive-date=14 December 2013}}</ref>

At the southern Lincolnshire coasts flooding was mild and scattered, likely due to weakening and westering winds. The grey seal colony at Donna Nook flooded; wardens prepared by opening fence gates so seals could escape into the dunes and farmland.<ref>{{cite news|title=Donna Nook seals to be protected against storms|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-lincolnshire-25229421|access-date=7 December 2013|newspaper=BBC News|date=5 December 2013}}</ref> Mablethorpe saw beach debris, and in Skegness beach huts, kiosks,<ref>{{cite news|title=Fire crew attend Skegness Pier flooding|url=http://www.skegnessstandard.co.uk/news/local/fire-crew-attend-skegness-pier-flooding-1-5733833|access-date=6 December 2013|newspaper=Skegness Standard|date=6 December 2013}}</ref> and the nearby visitor centre at Gibraltar Point nature reserve were damaged.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gibraltar Point Visitor Centre inundated by tidal surge|url=http://www.skegnessstandard.co.uk/news/local/gibraltar-point-visitor-centre-inundated-by-tidal-surge-1-5733155|access-date=6 December 2013|newspaper=Skegness Standard|date=6 December 2013}}</ref>

Boston, Lincolnshire had several defence walls overtopped or breached as the surge rose to levels above those seen in 1953; 800 homes across 55 streets in the town were flooded.<ref>{{cite news|title=Green light for the Boston Barrier flood defence|url=http://www.boston.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=13166|access-date=22 January 2018|publisher=Boston Borough Council|date=5 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123072106/http://www.boston.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=13166|archive-date=23 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Borough released their CCTV footage of the defences overtopped.<ref>{{cite web|title=Boston Flood - December 5, 2013|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLvGDVzX-uY|publisher=Boston Borough Council|access-date=17 December 2013}}</ref> The Haven flooded the floor of St Botolph's Church, damaging maintenance equipment in the cellar. [[File:Marrams Hemsby.jpg|thumbnail|Homes undermined by the surge Hemsby Norfolk]]

In Norfolk the lifeboat station at Wells-next-the-sea was flooded.<ref name="BBC091" >{{cite news|title=In pictures: Norfolk tidal surge aerial views|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-25326091|access-date=12 December 2013|newspaper=BBC News|date=11 December 2013}}</ref> Cromer pier was greatly damage as waves rebounded off the sea wall damaging the deck. Beach huts were destroyed, littering the coast to Overstrand.<ref name="BBC091" /> In Happisburgh soft cliffs were further eroded leaving a home hanging over the edge and uninhabitable. At Hemsby homes built over high sand-dominated soils were undermined and parts fell into the sea.<ref name="BBC091" />

Lowestoft, Suffolk's main harbour, railway station and a southern commercial zone flooded. Two short urban streets flooded into properties. Both bridges that connect north and south Lowestoft flooded for a few hours.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lowestoft counts cost of tidal surge|url=http://www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk/news/lowestoft_counts_cost_of_tidal_surge_1_3085664|access-date=13 December 2013|newspaper=Lowestoft Journal|date=7 December 2013|archive-date=13 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213024150/http://www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk/news/lowestoft_counts_cost_of_tidal_surge_1_3085664|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Photo gallery: Lowestoft recovers from tidal surge|url=http://www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk/news/photo_gallery_lowestoft_recovers_from_tidal_surge_1_3084991|access-date=13 December 2013|newspaper=Lowestoft Journal|date=6 December 2013|archive-date=9 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209005439/http://www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk/news/photo_gallery_lowestoft_recovers_from_tidal_surge_1_3084991|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Aftermath of Lowestoft Floods lives on|url=http://www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk/news/aftermath_of_lowestoft_floods_lives_on_1_3177436|access-date=8 January 2014|newspaper=Lowestoft Journal|date=6 January 2014|archive-date=8 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108154444/http://www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk/news/aftermath_of_lowestoft_floods_lives_on_1_3177436|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In East Suffolk, Snape on the Alde-Ore estuary and Waldringfield on Deben saw 38 homes flooded.<ref>{{cite news|title=Suffolk community drop-ins after the surge|url=http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/151936.aspx?page=2&month=2&year=2014|access-date=20 February 2014|newspaper=Environment Agency|date=13 February 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225021645/http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/151936.aspx?page=2&month=2&year=2014|archive-date=25 February 2014}}</ref>

====Belgium and Netherlands==== In Belgium, Bredene municipality evacuated 2,083 residents in the district between Sas Slijkens and Spuikom along the Bruges-Ostend canal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Evacuatie Voor Sinterklaasstorm|url=http://nieuws.vtm.be/binnenland/70559-evacuatie-voor-sinterklaasstorm|access-date=15 December 2013|newspaper=VTM Nieuws|date=5 December 2013}}</ref>

The storm passed without any major damage along the Belgian coast, in Ostend high water measured at {{cvt|6.33|m|ft}} TAW (height above mean low tide), the largest surge to reach the Belgian coast since 1953.<ref>{{cite news|title=06 December 2013, Storm Xaver is over|url=http://www.mumm.ac.be/EN/News/item.php?ID=339|access-date=15 December 2013|newspaper=Management Unit of the North Sea Mathematical Models|date=6 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221183121/http://www.mumm.ac.be/EN/News/item.php?ID=339|archive-date=21 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the port of Antwerp, the ''C Ladybug'' came adrift, and was blown across the dock before being re-berthed with the help of two tugs.<ref name="HBVL" >{{cite news|title=Vijf containers even op drift op de Schelde|url=http://www.hbvl.be/nieuws/binnenland/aid1500792/vijf-containers-op-drift-op-de-schelde-2.aspx|access-date=15 December 2013|newspaper=Het Belang Van Limburg|date=5 December 2013}}</ref>

In the Western Scheldt shipping was slowed between Vlissingen and Deurgancdok, Antwerp after 5 containers fell off a ship, 4 were empty and one loaded with tapioca, they were eventually washed up near Terneuzen.<ref name="HBVL" />

In the Netherlands, the water reached the highest level since the North Sea flood of 1953 at {{cvt|3.99|m|ft}} above normal sea level. In 1953, the water rose to {{cvt|4.55|m|ft}} on the night of 1 February, and dykes broke in at least 90 places resulting in the worst natural disaster in the Netherlands since the 1900s. The Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier closed all its 62 locks on Thursday night and several areas around Rotterdam experienced some flooding.<ref>{{cite news|title=Deadly storm and tidal surge batter northern Europe|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25243460|publisher=BBC|access-date=6 December 2013|work=BBC News|date=6 December 2013}}</ref> Minor flooding was also reported in Dordrecht and Vlaardingen.<ref name="GuyCarp">{{cite news|title=Windstorm Xaver: Event Summary|url=http://www.gccapitalideas.com/2013/12/09/windstorm-xaver/|access-date=25 January 2014|newspaper=Guy Carpenter|date=9 December 2013|archive-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202105612/http://www.gccapitalideas.com/2013/12/09/windstorm-xaver/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====France==== Winds Xaver proved weaker than expected on the north coast of France near Dunkirk. The maximum premium observed at low tide in Dunkirk was about {{cvt|2.40|m|ft}} , but other important differences between the observed water heights and predicted water heights were measured at Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer.<ref name="REFMAR">{{Cite web | url= http://refmar.shom.fr/en/sea_level_news_2013/2013_t4/tempete-xaver-et-incidence-sur-le-niveau-de-la-mer-a-dunkerque-calais-et-boulogne-sur-mer | title= Impact of the storm Xaver in the North Sea on the sea level in the Nord-Pas de Calais region | author= SHOM | work = refmar.shom.fr | date= 10 December 2013 | access-date=14 April 2014}}</ref>

====Germany==== [[File:Bodil xaver hamburg 2013 0001.jpg|thumbnail|right|Flooding in Hamburg's HafenCity]] German authorities reported waves up to {{cvt|6|m|ft|spell=in}} high, which were the second highest on record since 1825.<ref name="Canadian">{{cite news|title=Flood defenses helped limit damage from northern Europe storm|url=http://www.canadianunderwriter.ca/news/flood-defenses-helped-limit-damage-from-northern-europe-storm/1002794401/?&er=NA|access-date=7 January 2014|newspaper=Canadian Underwriter|date=11 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107014249/http://www.canadianunderwriter.ca/news/flood-defenses-helped-limit-damage-from-northern-europe-storm/1002794401/?&er=NA|archive-date=7 January 2014}}</ref> Some parts of Hamburg flooded, but the city saw no injuries or loss of life reported. The city closed all 38 of its flood gates, which lessened the storm's impact. The gates protect nearly $14 billion in commodities according to research from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Center for Materials and Coastal Research.<ref name="BrianKahn"/> A model Titanic was also sailed in the river Elbe.

====Denmark and Sweden==== In Sweden water levels were higher than expected on the western Scania coast, at {{cvt|150|cm|in}} over normal, registering up to {{cvt|157|cm|in}} above mean at Viken, Höganäs Municipality.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mycket högt vattenstånd efter stormen|url=http://lansstyrelsen.se/skane/Sv/nyheter/2013/Pages/mycket-hogt-vattenstand-efter-stormen.aspx|access-date=20 December 2013|newspaper=Länsstyrelsen Skåne|date=6 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217110302/http://www.lansstyrelsen.se/skane/Sv/nyheter/2013/Pages/mycket-hogt-vattenstand-efter-stormen.aspx|archive-date=17 December 2013}}</ref> Citizens were advised to stay indoors <ref>[http://www.lansstyrelsen.se/skane/Sv/nyheter/2013/Pages/allmanheten-uppmanas-stanna-inomhus-i-kvall.aspx Skåningar uppmanas att om möjligt stanna inomhus ikväll - Länsstyrelsen Skåne] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215042141/http://www.lansstyrelsen.se/skane/Sv/nyheter/2013/Pages/allmanheten-uppmanas-stanna-inomhus-i-kvall.aspx |date=15 December 2013 }}. Lansstyrelsen.se (5 December 2013). Retrieved on 4 February 2014.</ref>

In Denmark, the population was advised to remain indoors. Children were sent home from school before normal school finishing time and some parents were trapped at their place of work. The water levels were higher than expected. Holiday homes in Nørlev Strand were left undermined as the storm eroded sand dunes, along the Jutland coast.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Eggert|first1=Morten|title=Offer for Bodil: Købte huset 15. august - nu er det væk|url=http://www.bt.dk/danmark/offer-for-bodil-koebte-huset-15.-august-nu-er-det-vaek|access-date=5 October 2014|newspaper=Berlingske|date=8 December 2013}}</ref>

==Casualties== Five people were killed in Poland,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.euronews.com/2013/12/08/storm-xaver-blizzards-claim-more-lives-in-poland|title=Storm Xaver blizzards claim more lives in Poland|work=Euronews|date=8 December 2013|access-date=10 December 2013|archive-date=29 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129231935/http://www.euronews.com/2013/12/08/storm-xaver-blizzards-claim-more-lives-in-poland/|url-status=dead}}</ref> including three people in a car when a tree struck it in Poraj, northern Poland. The storm also caused two deaths in the UK<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-25232198 BBC News - Driver killed after HGV blown over in storms near Bathgate]. Bbc.co.uk (5 December 2013). Retrieved on 4 February 2014.</ref> and one in Denmark.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25243460 |title=Deadly storm and tidal surge batter northern Europe |work=BBC News |date=6 December 2013}}</ref> In Sweden a total of seven people died.<ref name="au.news.yahoo.com"/>

==Aftermath== [[File:Burnham Norton Breach Xaver.jpg|thumbnail|Breached sea dike at Burnham Norton, Norfolk. Seaward side left, with flooded land to the right.]]

The BBC addressed criticism after it suspended the regular evening news to cover the death of Nelson Mandela, while communities along the coast were still preparing for flooding.<ref>{{cite news|title=BBC News chief defends Mandela coverage|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25298113|access-date=2 March 2014|newspaper=BBC News|date=9 December 2014}}</ref> Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, local authorities normally investigate flooding in their boundaries, however Alun Davies the Welsh Assembly Minister for Natural Resources and Food, instructed Natural Resources Wales to co-ordinate the inquiry in Wales as one comprehensive report.<ref name="BBC682" />

Member of Parliament for Waveney, Peter Aldous initiated a debate in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom as to what went well and what can be improved on a national level as to future flood defences, preparations and so on. In Waveney is the town of Lowestoft, which saw flooding (see above). "There is a strong sense in these communities that Parliament has not yet considered properly this narrowly averted national crisis. We need to establish what went right and also what can be improved upon."<ref>[http://www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk/news/there_is_a_strong_sense_parliament_has_not_yet_considered_properly_this_narrowly_averted_national_crisis_mp_secures_commons_debate_on_flood_1_3108139 "There is a strong sense Parliament has not yet considered properly this narrowly averted national crisis" - MP secures Commons debate on flood - News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129063942/http://www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk/news/there_is_a_strong_sense_parliament_has_not_yet_considered_properly_this_narrowly_averted_national_crisis_mp_secures_commons_debate_on_flood_1_3108139 |date=29 November 2014 }}. Lowestoft Journal. Retrieved on 4 February 2014.</ref> He also later stated "It is wrong to dismiss these floods as a once in a 500-year occurrence. There were floods six years ago...[The flood of 2007 caused £6&nbsp;billion worth of damage]...I think with rising sea levels these are going to be a thing of the future and we do need to be looking at protecting the most vulnerable areas."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk/news/suffolk_mp_hits_out_at_environment_secretary_in_statement_about_the_floods_1_3113188 |title=Suffolk MP hits out at environment secretary in statement about the floods |publisher=Lowestoft Journal |first=Annabelle |last=Dickson |date=14 December 2013 |access-date=4 February 2014 |archive-date=15 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215182220/http://www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk/news/suffolk_mp_hits_out_at_environment_secretary_in_statement_about_the_floods_1_3113188 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Credit Suisse by 12 December estimated the damage at between €1.4 billion and €1.9 billion.<ref>{{cite news|title=Credit Suisse puts windstorm Xaver insured loss at €1.4bn to €1.9bn|url=http://www.artemis.bm/blog/2013/12/12/credit-suisse-puts-windstorm-xaver-insured-loss-at-e1-4bn-to-e1-9bn/|access-date=13 December 2013|newspaper=Artemis|date=12 December 2013}}</ref> Catastrophe modeller AIR Worldwide estimated wind losses would be between €700 million and €1.4 billion.<ref>{{cite news|title=AIR Estimates Losses from European Windstorm Xaver at Between EUR 700 Million and EUR 1.4 Billion|url=https://www.liveinsurancenews.com/air-estimates-losses-european-windstorm-xaver-eur-700-million-eur-1-4-billion/8531018/|access-date=13 December 2013|newspaper=Insurance News Daily|date=12 December 2013}}</ref> The company said that Xaver's wind impact was likely to be less than that of the St. Jude storm, as it had lower wind speeds, and expected structural damage from high winds to be more limited.<ref name="Canadian"/> Perils AG the catastrophic insurance data company gave an initial estimate of €680 million for insured property losses to the insurance industry on 16 January 2014.<ref>{{cite news|title=PERILS PUTS INITIAL LOSS ESTIMATE FOR WINDSTORM XAVER AT EUR 680 MILLION|url=http://www.perils.org/dms/perils/documents/press-releases/PERILS-Press-Release---16-Jan-2014/PERILS%20Press%20Release%20-%2016%20Jan%202014.pdf|access-date=1 February 2014|newspaper=Perils AG|date=16 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202222117/http://www.perils.org/dms/perils/documents/press-releases/PERILS-Press-Release---16-Jan-2014/PERILS%20Press%20Release%20-%2016%20Jan%202014.pdf|archive-date=2 February 2014}}</ref>

The chief executive of the UK's Environment Agency said in January 2014 that the storm surge may change the coastline of the UK permanently, as the Agency weighs up whether to abandon some land losses permanently; {{convert|373|acre|ha}} in East Anglia were still underwater in January and some defences and freshwater habitats may not be reinstated along the Norfolk-Suffolk coast.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hope|first=Christopher|title=Parts of Britain to be abandoned to the sea after December tidal surge|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/10592746/Parts-of-Britain-to-be-abandoned-to-the-sea-after-December-tidal-surge.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140124095209/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/10592746/Parts-of-Britain-to-be-abandoned-to-the-sea-after-December-tidal-surge.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 January 2014|access-date=24 January 2014|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=24 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Dickson|first=Annabelle|title=Parts of north Norfolk's coastline could be permanently sacrificed to the sea following the tidal surges which battered the East Coast last month.|url=http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/politics/is_part_of_norfolk_s_coastline_about_to_be_abandoned_to_the_sea_1_3236229|access-date=24 January 2014|newspaper=Eastern Daily Press|date=24 January 2014|author2=Lucy Clapham|author3=Adam Lazzari|archive-date=25 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125015833/http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/politics/is_part_of_norfolk_s_coastline_about_to_be_abandoned_to_the_sea_1_3236229|url-status=dead}}</ref> By the February after, they had repaired {{cvt|7|km|mi}} of defences along the Humber Estuary from Barton upon Humber to Goxhill Haven, with work west of Barton due to be completed by March. The agency secured £1.5 million to complete the works after the highest surge ever recorded in the estuary brought destruction to defences along the south bank from Whitton to East Halton.<ref>{{cite news|title=Repairs to damaged South Humber bank defences continue|url=http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/151992.aspx?month=2&year=2014|access-date=20 February 2014|newspaper=Environment Agency|date=20 February 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225025229/http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/151992.aspx?month=2&year=2014|archive-date=25 February 2014}}</ref>

===Subsequent weather=== [[File:Stormsurge Sheringham 5 December 2013.JPG|thumb|The December 2013 storm surge on Sheringham seafront.]]

Later that winter, Atlantic storms in Europe brought three storms to the UK around Christmas, with Cyclone Dirk bringing flooding and transport disruption prior to the holiday. Further storms in the New Year, Cyclones Anne and Christina brought further coastal flooding to the South West of England and the Welsh coast, with heavy rains leading to flooding and stormy seas leaving at least seven people dead and more than 1,700 homes and businesses flooded in England in the period between Christmas and following the Epiphany (holiday) week.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/jan/07/severe-weather-warnings-remain-uk-coast-storm Severe weather warnings remain along UK coast] Guardian 7 January 2014. Retrieved 20 February 2014.</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25638840 UK floods prompt space charter activation] BBC 7 January 2014. Retrieved 20 February 2014.</ref> The Met Office issued severe weather warnings on 7 February for the last of the storms.<ref>[http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/#?tab=map National Severe Weather Warnings - United Kingdom] Fri 7 February 2014. Retrieved 20 February 2014.</ref> Much of Europe felt the effects of these Atlantic storms: flooding in France, large snowfalls in Austria and Slovenia and damaging waves in Portugal and Spain.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26050452 UK storms: Why so wet and windy?] BBC 5 February 2014. Retrieved 20 February 2014.</ref>

Parts of England had the wettest January 2014 from when records began more than 100 years before. That month more than 30 (flooding-imminent) Warnings and 160 (lesser-certainty) Alerts were made.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25944823 UK floods: January rain breaks records in parts of England] BBC 30 January 2014. Retrieved 20 February 2014.</ref>

In February more than 200 homes were evacuated in Somerset and Devon. Police used megaphones from a helicopter to urge residents in the Somerset Levels to leave their homes. Winds of more than {{cvt|90|mph|km/h|order=flip}} were recorded.<ref name="theguardian.com">[https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/feb/05/uk-storms-live-updates UK storms: rail chaos and more homes evacuated – live updatesUK storms: rail chaos and more homes evacuated – live updates] The Guardian 5 February 2014. Retrieved 20 February 2014.</ref>

In response to the season the Government enacted the Bellwin scheme. In February David Cameron pledged to provide £100&nbsp;million for clean-up and prevention.<ref name="theguardian.com"/> Later an extra £30&nbsp;million was pledged for flood repairs and maintenance in 2014–15, completing or commencing 42&nbsp;flood defence schemes. The £100&nbsp;million was allocated to 2015–16.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26061795 Government announces extra £30m for flood repairs] BBC 6 February 2014. Retrieved 20 February 2014.</ref>

==Highest wind gust per country== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Country ! Highest Gust ! Location |- | {{Flag|Ireland}} | 187 km/h | Malin Head |- | {{Flag|United Kingdom}} | 229 km/h | Aonach Mòr |- | {{Flag|France}} | 153 km/h | Dunkirk |- | {{Flag|Germany}} | 155 km/h | Brocken |- | {{Flag|Luxembourg}} | 90 km/h | Wincrange |- | {{Flag|Belgium}} | 125 km/h | Nieuwpoort |- | {{Flag|Netherlands}} | 137 km/h | Stavoren |- | {{Flag|Denmark}} | 179 km/h | Agger Tange |- | {{Flag|Sweden}} | 176 km/h | Kosterhavet |- | {{Flag|Norway}} | 172 km/h | Nevlunghavn |- | {{Flag|Poland}} | 163 km/h | Miedzyzdroje |}

==See also== * 1978 North Sea storm surge * Gale of January 1976, widely known as the "Capella" storm in Germany and the "Ruisbroek flood" in Belgium * St. Jude storm, the previous storm to affect North West Europe * Storm tides of the North Sea

==References== {{reflist|30em}}

==Literature== *[https://web.archive.org/web/20140714145759/http://www.eastriding.gov.uk/public_reports/TheCabinet/24%20June%202014/Flood%20Investigation%20Report%20-%20Tidal%20Surge%20on%205%20December%202013.pdf East Riding of Yorkshire Council: Flood Investigation Report - Tidal Surge on 5 December 2013.] *[https://cmis.hullcc.gov.uk/CMIS/Document.ashx?czJKcaeAi5tUFL1DTL2UE4zNRBcoShgo=09mkr6mrOzl87tgw6I3CSqQ4lTiCFmPyYzJLNMUI1HVY5UC6zpXOBA%3d%3d&rUzwRPf%2bZ3zd4E7Ikn8Lyw%3d%3d=pwRE6AGJFLDNlh225F5QMaQWCtPHwdhUfCZ%2fLUQzgA2uL5jNRG4jdQ%3d%3d&mCTIbCubSFfXsDGW9IXnlg%3d%3d=hFflUdN3100%3d&kCx1AnS9%2fpWZQ40DXFvdEw%3d%3d=hFflUdN3100%3d&uJovDxwdjMPoYv%2bAJvYtyA%3d%3d=ctNJFf55vVA%3d&FgPlIEJYlotS%2bYGoBi5olA%3d%3d=NHdURQburHA%3d&d9Qjj0ag1Pd993jsyOJqFvmyB7X0CSQK=ctNJFf55vVA%3d&WGewmoAfeNR9xqBux0r1Q8Za60lavYmz=ctNJFf55vVA%3d&WGewmoAfeNQ16B2MHuCpMRKZMwaG1PaO=ctNJFf55vVA%3d Hull City Council: December 2013 Flood Investigation.] *[http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk//Download/64557 Lincolnshire County Council Report: The East Coast Tidal Surge.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606233419/http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk//Download/64557 |date=6 June 2014 }} *[http://www.northnorfolk.org/files/Tidal-surge-combined-info.pdf North Norfolk Tidal Surge and Associated Coastal Flooding Event –December 2013.]

==External links== {{Commons category|Xaver (storm)}} * [https://www.surgewatch.org/events/1/ Surgewatch.org event data] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20131210235940/http://ercportal.jrc.ec.europa.eu/ERCMaps/ECDM_20131205_NorthernEurope_SevereWeather.pdf European Commission Emergency Response Centre ECHO Daily Map 5 December 2013: Northern Europe - Severe weather] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20131210234957/http://ercportal.jrc.ec.europa.eu/ERCMaps/ECDM_20131206_NorthernEurope_SevereWeather.pdf European Commission Emergency Response Centre ECHO Daily Map 6 December 2013: Northern Europe - Severe weather] * [https://archive.today/20131204214942/http://www.dwd.de/bvbw/generator/DWDWWW/Content/Oeffentlichkeit/KU/KUPK/Homepage/Aktuelles/Bilder/Zugbahn__XAVER,templateId=poster,property=poster.jpg German Weather Service modelled timing, track and pressure of storm] *[https://www.flickr.com/photos/environment-agency/sets/72157638440122886/ Environment Agency Flickr Gallery] *[https://www.dwd.de/EN/ourservices/specialevents/storms/20131028_CHRISTIAN_europe_en.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=7 Heavy storm CHRISTIAN on 28 October 2013, DWD]

{{European windstorms}} {{Floods in the United Kingdom (since 2000)}}

Category:2013 natural disasters Xaver Xaver Xaver Xaver Xaver Xaver Category:2013 in England Category:2013 in Wales Category:2013 in Belgium Category:2013 in Germany Category:2013 in the Netherlands Category:2013 in Denmark Category:2013 in Sweden Category:2013 in Poland Xaver Category:Meteorological events in 2013 Category:2013 disasters in the United Kingdom Xaver Xaver Xaver Xaver Category:History of the North Sea Category:December 2013 in Europe Category:2013 disasters in Europe