(de-news.net) – Germany’s national weather service has issued an extensive warning concerning dangerous icing conditions caused by freezing rain, affecting a substantial portion of the country. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), wide areas of Lower Saxony, North Rhine–Westphalia, Hesse, Rhineland–Palatinate, Saarland, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, and Saxony are expected to experience hazardous conditions. The agency further indicated that additional regions could be impacted as the day progresses, underscoring the broad geographic scope and evolving nature of the weather situation.
Meteorologists emphasized the pronounced risk of severe weather, noting that freezing rain can rapidly turn road surfaces extremely slippery. Given the potential danger to life and physical safety, travel by car was strongly discouraged unless absolutely necessary. Individuals who must travel were advised to prepare for difficult conditions by carrying warm supplies, including blankets and hot beverages, and by anticipating significant disruptions such as road closures or prolonged delays. Forecasts indicate that precipitation moving in from the west overnight is likely to begin as snow before transitioning quickly into freezing rain. Because ground temperatures remain below freezing, widespread black ice is expected to develop, posing a serious threat to both motorists and pedestrians. In addition to transportation risks, the DWD warned of ice accumulation on trees, power lines, and other infrastructure, which could further complicate conditions.
While a gradual improvement in weather is anticipated from the western regions as the day advances, eastern and northeastern parts of Germany may be affected at a later stage. In certain central and eastern areas—most notably southeastern Bavaria—the moderation of conditions could be delayed, creating uncertainty regarding the duration and intensity of the hazards. Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder stressed that dangerous conditions persist even after the passage of winter storm ‘Elli,’ urging continued caution among drivers and pedestrians. He pointed to the combination of thawing temperatures and rainfall on frozen surfaces as a key factor that could prolong or renew severe icing in the coming days, prompting authorities to maintain close monitoring of developments.
The impact of the winter weather has also raised questions about the rail sector’s response. Schnieder acknowledged that many passengers were unable to cancel planned journeys and instead faced extended travel times due to numerous service cancellations and delays. In response, he said that Deutsche Bahn would review its handling of the disruption, with a view to identifying potential operational improvements. At the same time, he emphasized that under extreme weather conditions, a fully normal and predictable timetable cannot be maintained. He noted that the early communication of a nationwide goodwill policy allowed many travelers to postpone their trips, thereby easing some of the pressure on the system. Schnieder also expressed appreciation for railway employees, highlighting that thousands had worked continuously to clear tracks and stations and to restore services under challenging conditions.
Deutsche Bahn Chief Executive Evelyn Palla also defended the company’s crisis management, explaining that rapidly changing weather patterns and extensive snowdrifts repeatedly blocked track sections that had already been cleared. She reiterated that safety remained the overriding priority and that the measures taken ensured no train was stranded on open track. Palla added that although the company is generally well prepared for severe weather events, uncertainties inevitably remain regarding the precise location, timing, and severity of impacts. Following the temporary suspension of long-distance services in northern Germany on Friday, operations on major northern routes have now largely resumed.
The risk of black ice has additionally disrupted the education sector. In North Rhine–Westphalia, many schools have shifted to virtual instruction, with only emergency childcare being offered. Other federal states have adopted varied approaches: schools in Saxony have been given discretion to decide whether to reopen, numerous schools in Lower Saxony, Bremen, and Hesse remain closed, and school transportation services have been suspended in parts of Saxony-Anhalt as a precaution. These measures follow earlier weather warnings that had already led to the cancellation of in-person classes in parts of Lower Saxony and North Rhine–Westphalia, while many students stayed home during the height of storm ‘Elli’ late last week.
The Saarland Ministry of Education has also cancelled in-person classes at all schools for tomorrow. “Given the severe icy conditions, we cannot be responsible for the regular commute to school,” said Education Minister Christine Streichert-Clivot. Classes will now be held remotely. Emergency childcare will be provided for children without supervision at home.
