Preceding the development of the Niklas storm on 28-29 March strong rainfall was reported in the southern Germany. The 24-hour rainfall of 29-30 March in the Black Forest saw more than fall. The Niklas storm was preceded by the low pressure named Mike by the Free University of Berlin, which brought hurricane strength winds to Germany on 30 March. Gust reports from this low pressure at the high-altitude stations of Brocken were of (force 12) and Zugspitze .