Severe Winter Storms Disrupt Daily Life Across Germany with Snow, Ice, and Travel Chaos

Germany is currently grappling with severe winter weather that continues to disrupt transportation, schools, and daily activities across multiple regions. Icy roads and heavy snowfall have led to numerous accidents, including at least one fatality—a 70-year-old truck driver in East Hessen who lost control on ice. Authorities warn that hazardous conditions remain, particularly in eastern Germany where freezing rain and significant snowfall are anticipated from February 5 onward.

The German Weather Service has issued multiple warnings. In eastern states such as Brandenburg, Saxony, and the Erzgebirge, freezing rain is expected to exacerbate road icing. Northern regions like Vorpommern are forecast to receive between 10 and 15 centimeters of fresh snow. In Berlin alone, up to 12 centimeters are predicted, significantly heightening the risk of slippery roads. Meanwhile, southern and western Germany are experiencing milder temperatures ranging between 2 to 10 degrees Celsius, signaling a slight relief.

Transportation disruptions remain severe. Key highways A1, A2, and A7 have reported multiple accidents, with the A1 closed at two points near Osnabrück and Bremen due to black ice. Deutsche Bahn faces extensive delays and cancellations on long-distance routes, notably the ICE line between Hannover and Berlin, impacting cities such as Braunschweig and Wolfsburg. Ferry services to the East Frisian Islands have also been affected by strong eastern winds, further complicating travel.

Many schools in Bremen and Lower Saxony remain closed, although some continue offering distance learning alternatives. Despite temporary flight disruptions in Frankfurt due to snowfall, airports have largely stabilized operations.

Compounding challenges, some regions are experiencing a shortage of road salt for ice treatment, including Osnabrück and Emsland, while a strike among road maintenance workers in Schleswig-Holstein threatens to weaken winter road services.

Officials urge the public to exercise extreme caution when traveling or walking outside. The German Weather Service recommends slow, deliberate movements on icy surfaces and advises against unnecessary travel during peak disturbance periods.

This ongoing winter weather situation is expected to continue with further snowfall and freezing rain through the coming days, particularly affecting eastern and northern Germany, requiring vigilance and preparedness from residents and authorities alike.