Winter Storm Elli Brings Heavy Snow and Disruptions Across Northern and Central Germany

Winter storm Elli has swept across northern and central Germany, causing severe snowfall, hazardous travel conditions, and infrastructure disruptions. Northern regions such as Niedersachsen, Hamburg, and the central highlands have been particularly hard hit, with snow accumulations reaching up to 40 centimeters in areas like the Eifel and the Black Forest. Hamburg alone has experienced about 30 centimeters of snow, leading to significant traffic disruptions and public warnings to avoid travel when possible.

The storm has led to dangerous icy conditions, with temperatures plummeting from around 8 degrees Celsius to below zero, including nighttime lows near minus 17 degrees in Berlin. These conditions have resulted in severe accidents, notably in Bavaria, where some incidents were fatal. Despite some areas avoiding chaos, weather experts emphasize the need for caution due to ongoing icy roads and additional expected snowfall, especially in northern Niedersachsen.

Transport infrastructure has been heavily impacted, with the long-distance rail network in northern Germany being suspended and various regional train services disrupted. On the roads, snow and ice have caused considerable travel difficulties. Schools in Hamburg, Niedersachsen, Bremen, and parts of Schleswig-Holstein remain closed as a precaution.

The storm's effects extend beyond Germany; similar winter weather conditions are affecting neighboring countries including Poland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, with power outages reported in parts of France, affecting approximately 380,000 households in the Normandy region.

Meteorologists attribute the storm's intensity to the collision of warm Atlantic air with colder northern and eastern air masses, which has prolonged snowfalls in northern regions. While snowfall is expected to ease by Saturday with intermittent sunshine, incoming cold air may bring freezing rain next week, maintaining challenging winter weather conditions.

Authorities continue to advise caution, highlighting that while the storm will subside in southern Bavaria, weather warnings remain active across much of the affected regions.