Severe Winter Weather Paralyzes Large Parts of Germany with Snow, Ice, and Accidents

Germany is grappling with severe winter weather conditions in late January 2026, marked by heavy snowfall and dangerous icy roads that have caused widespread disruptions and numerous accidents across the country.

The Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) has issued the highest warning levels (3 and 4) in many regions, especially in the northeast and parts of Bavaria, warning of extreme ice and snow. Areas around Berlin, Potsdam, and southern Bavarian cities such as Bamberg, Schweinfurt, Lichtenfels, and Haßfurt are forecasted to see snowfall accumulations between 15 and 20 centimeters.

The severe conditions have led to traffic chaos: in Baden-Württemberg, over 100 accidents occurred in the Tübingen region overnight, causing mainly property damage and one minor injury. The A8 highway connecting Stuttgart and Munich was closed for hours due to multiple accidents. In Bavaria, about 40 weather-related accidents were reported in Niederbayern and Oberpfalz, with four people sustaining light injuries. Near Fürstenfeldbruck, several accidents were recorded on the A8 highway, alongside incidents on the A99 and A96.

Public transport has been heavily affected, with streetcars and buses suspended in Würzburg and bus lines disrupted in Bamberg and Nuremberg due to snow and ice. In Franconia, severe snowfall has led many schools in cities such as Würzburg, Schweinfurt, Ansbach, Erlangen, and Nürnberg to cancel in-person classes. Some schools are providing remote learning options or assigning homework, with emergency care services arranged for children requiring supervision.

Authorities urge drivers to exercise heightened caution and adjust speed amid treacherous road conditions. Incidents include a transporter overturning on the A7 and cars sliding on icy streets, with injuries reported in Sulzbach-Rosenberg and Nürnberg.

This ongoing winter storm continues to challenge transport infrastructure and public safety as snow-clearing efforts struggle, especially in Unterfranken where snowfall is hindering the work of snow plows.

With further snow expected through the evening and icy conditions persisting, residents are advised to stay updated on weather warnings and travel advisories issued by the Deutscher Wetterdienst.