The most intense storm of the 2021–22 European windstorm season, Franklin was first noted by the United Kingdom's Met Office on 12:00 UTC on February 19.

[6] Additionally, the Met Office issued dozens of warnings across the UK as Franklin neared the nation.

[7][8] Franklin would cause torrential rain throughout the UK, with 130 mm (5.1 in) recorded in Seathwaite, Cumberland.

[12] The German Weather Service would issue a red alert for portions of Germany due to Franklins expected impact.

The German rail operator, Deutsche Bahn, would shut down its regional services in North Rhine-Westphalia on February 20, cancelling and delaying several trips.