Storm Elli Triggers School Closures and Disruptions in Germany with Ongoing Monitoring at Frankfurt Airport

Storm Elli disrupts German daily life with school closures in multiple states and vigilant monitoring of Frankfurt Airport operations.

    Key details

  • • Schools in Hamburg, Niedersachsen, Bremen, and parts of Schleswig-Holstein closed due to unsafe conditions.
  • • Distance learning and emergency childcare are offered where schools are closed.
  • • Partial in-person class suspensions and parental excusals allowed in Bayern, Thüringen, Sachsen-Anhalt, Brandenburg, and Berlin.
  • • Frankfurt Airport maintains operations with no early flight restrictions but monitors weather closely for changes.

Storm Elli has led to widespread disruptions across Germany, with several states closing schools due to hazardous winter conditions that include snow and icy roads. Hamburg, Niedersachsen, Bremen, and parts of Schleswig-Holstein have cancelled regular school operations, offering distance learning and emergency care for younger children instead. The closures are primarily due to school bus services being suspended over safety concerns. Additionally, parts of Bayern, Thüringen, Sachsen-Anhalt, Brandenburg, and Berlin have partially suspended in-person classes or allowed parents to excuse their children from attendance. Kindergartens and daycares are also affected in some regions.

Meanwhile, transportation hubs like Frankfurt Airport have maintained stable operations in the early hours despite the adverse weather. According to Fraport spokespersons, there have been no restrictions on takeoffs or landings so far, though the airport is keeping a close watch on evolving weather conditions throughout the day. Decisions about flight operations will be made depending on the severity of the storm and wind conditions.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, balancing public safety measures with efforts to maintain critical services. The evolving nature of Storm Elli demands adaptive responses, as exemplified by the variable measures across German states and vigilant oversight at major transit points.

This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.

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