Severe Winter Storm 'Elli' Triggers Extreme Weather Warnings Across Germany

Germany faces a severe winter weather event as Storm 'Elli' unleashes snow, ice, and dangerously slippery conditions beginning Thursday evening, January 7, 2026. German weather authorities warn of life-threatening situations caused by heavy snowfall, blizzards, and freezing rain, particularly in northern and eastern regions.

Meteorologist Adrian Leyser Sturm from the German Weather Service (DWD) reports that snow will accumulate up to 20 centimeters in some areas, notably from North Hesse through Thuringia to Eastern Bavaria. In Bavaria, a mix of snow and ice rain is expected, especially around Munich, with icy roads posing significant travel hazards overnight into Friday. The DWD anticipates wind-driven snowdrifts that could exacerbate road conditions, causing hazardous disruptions.

Dr. Karsten Brandt, a weather expert, strongly advises residents to stay indoors due to the severe threat posed by the storm. He explains that a collision of a mild Atlantic storm with Europe's cold air mass is causing extensive blizzards and ice rain, with snowfall up to 40 centimeters expected in North and East Germany. Windstorms add to the danger, increasing risks of power outages and tree damage. Brandt references the catastrophic January 1979 snow disaster in northern Germany to emphasize the severity of the current forecast.

The risk zones span eastern Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, Thuringia, Franconia, Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Berlin, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where snowdrifts could isolate individuals. The Deutsche Bahn has issued warnings about major train service disruptions, especially in northern and northeastern Germany, urging passengers to expect delays and cancellations.

Compounding concerns, a road construction workers' strike in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern threatens effective road maintenance amid potentially icy roads. Authorities highlight the critical challenges ahead for road safety.

The German Weather Service predicts some improvement from Sunday onward, but warnings for continued snowfall into the weekend remain. Residents are urged to heed official advisories, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare for possible power outages and transport disruptions.

The unfolding 'Elli' storm reminds Germans of the grave dangers extreme winter weather can bring, underscoring the importance of vigilance and preparedness.