A severe storm with hurricane-force gusts up to 110 km/h, heavy rain, and a storm surge has affected northern Germany, particularly Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, causing widespread disruptions over the weekend.

The storm led to a flood peak at Hamburg's St. Pauli gauge reaching 1.5 meters above mean high water, flooding areas like Hamburg's fish market and submerging vehicles, with rescue efforts underway.

The storm caused the cruise ship 'Aidaperla' to remain stranded in Hamburg since Saturday due to ongoing bad weather and the closure of the Elbe River to certain ships, with a possible departure only expected by Monday night.

The ship was near Glückstadt early Monday morning, moving towards the North Sea, but its departure window has been shifted to early Monday night, with plans to sail to Bergen, Norway.

The storm flood's peak at Hamburg's St. Pauli gauge occurred at 16:03 on Sunday, with a second, lower flood forecasted early Monday morning reaching up to 1.5 meters above high water.

Rescue operations included saving two teenagers in Wilhelmsburg who were stranded on a tree in a natural reserve due to rising water levels; they were evacuated by helicopter and rescue boat after calling their parents.

The storm caused flooding in Hamburg's coastal areas, including the fish market, with some vehicles submerged and rescue efforts by fire services.

Weather conditions in northern Germany remain overcast with temperatures between 14 and 16 degrees Celsius, and the stormy weather is expected to continue into Monday.

The cruise ship's departure was delayed from Saturday to early Monday night, and it only changed its berth within Hamburg instead of leaving the port, with plans to sail to Bergen, Norway.