Severe Winter Weather Causes Icy Roads and School Closures Across Northern Germany

Northern Germany continues to grapple with severe winter weather as a new low-pressure system, named 'Gunda', follows the earlier 'Elli', bringing freezing rain and dangerous icy conditions. The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued an ice warning particularly for the region of Niedersachsen, where statewide school closures are in effect, except for the East Frisian Islands, which are unaffected due to the absence of school bus services.

Meteorologist Stefan Laps highlighted that the mix of frost and rain creates treacherous conditions on roads and sidewalks, advising residents to stay at home if possible. Temperatures across the region are expected to range from a frosty -14 degrees Celsius in the South Harz to around zero degrees Celsius along coastal areas. While conditions may partly improve later in the day, the DWD warns that ice will still pose significant risks.

Transport systems have been heavily affected as well. Despite two-thirds of long-distance train services remaining stable, disruptions persist, especially on routes like Westerland to Hamburg. Local train and bus services are gradually recovering but continue to face delays and cancellations due to the icy roads. Authorities have also issued safety warnings against venturing onto frozen lakes and rivers, as the ice is not stable and poses risks.

In Ahaus and surrounding Westmünsterland areas, similarly hazardous icy road conditions were forecasted for Monday morning, prompting regional live updates to keep residents informed about current travel risks.

Social organizations additionally raised concerns over the extreme cold's impact on homeless populations, urging authorities to increase provision of warm shelters and resources to prevent hypothermia and related health emergencies.

Northern Germany remains on high alert as communities and services continue to respond to the challenges posed by this prolonged period of severe winter weather.