A powerful storm swept through eastern Austria overnight, prompting dozens of emergency callouts for fire crews in Vienna and Lower Austria.

Vienna’s professional fire brigade responded to about 70 incidents across the city, primarily to deal with fallen branches and uprooted trees. Crews also secured loose scaffolding and fallen building materials.

“No injuries were reported,” confirmed fire brigade spokesperson Jürgen Figerl. “Since the wind has significantly calmed down, we don’t expect a large number of additional callouts.”

In neighbouring Lower Austria, fire brigades were dispatched to around 120 incidents. Klaus Stebal from the state command said the area surrounding Vienna was a particular hotspot, though crews were also active in other regions, including the Weinviertel, Waidhofen an der Ybbs in the Mostviertel and Schrems in the Waldviertel district.

Fallen trees, advertising boards, banners and construction fences dominated the list of hazards. In some cases, trees came down on power lines, including in Himberg, Bruck an der Leitha district, and Traiskirchen, Baden district.

The fire brigade in Mödling reported being “almost constantly on duty during the night hours” as the storm wreaked havoc.