Icy Roads Cause Major Traffic Disruptions on German Highways Amid Winter Storms

On Wednesday morning, February 18, 2026, Germany experienced significant traffic disruptions on major highways due to severe winter weather conditions, particularly icy roads and snowfall. The A3 highway near Regensburg was closed during peak commuter hours following multiple accidents caused by hazardous ice, leading to widespread delays and traffic chaos. Authorities redirected vehicles at the Laaber junction and closed the A3 up to the Regensburg interchange, with traffic towards Nürnberg reopening by 9 AM, but the closure towards Passau continuing with an indefinite reopening time.

According to a police spokesperson, the situation was described as "Glatteis-Chaos" with several trucks skidding and blocking the highway. Though emergency and snow-clearing crews were deployed, icy roads also hampered their response efforts. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, only material damages. The German Weather Service (DWD) issued warnings for continued icy and snowy conditions in Bavaria, especially with freezing rain and snow showers anticipated to persist.

Simultaneously, similar problems affected other key highways such as the A2 and A9 in Brandenburg, where truck accidents led to temporary closures and traffic restrictions. These areas are experiencing ongoing traffic difficulties due to winter weather. The northeastern regions of Germany noted persistent frost with temperatures between -3 and 0 degrees Celsius, contributing to dangerous road conditions. Snowfall is also forecasted in western low mountain ranges including the Eifel, Hunsrück, and Taunus, potentially reaching further areas like the Ruhr region and Upper Franconia later in the week.

Compounding these issues, several German states are confronting a shortage of road salt owing to high demand and strikes affecting winter road services. Despite these challenges, Deutsche Bahn reported no weather-related disruptions in long-distance rail services.

Drivers across Germany are urged to exercise extreme caution, maintain safe distances, and prepare for further travel delays as winter conditions continue to impact the roads through this week.