 On 9 April 1940, "Storm" was guarding the approaches to Bergen, a restricted naval port, and was under orders to fire at any intruder.Reports of foreign warships moving against Norway had motivated the naval commander in Bergen, Rear-Admiral Carsten Tank-Nielsen to put his forces on a war footing.Lieutenant Pettersen had suggested to Admiral Tank-Nielsen placing his vessel at the outer line of the restricted area, with further forces closer to Bergen.