(new: more details and background)
BERLIN/HAMBURG/HANNOVER (dpa-AFX) - Winter storm "Elli" is sweeping across Germany, dumping heavy loads of snow. Numerous roads and rail connections are affected. In central Germany, many trucks became stuck in the snow, blocking highways. Severe weather warnings are in effect for large parts of northern Germany, with many schools closed. The situation in detail:
Ice and Accidents:
The German Weather Service is warning of icy and snow-covered roads in several regions. In many cities, bus services have been suspended as a precaution. On some roads, traffic was unusually light as many drivers stayed home due to the warnings. Near Calw in Baden-Wuerttemberg, a public bus slid down a slope; according to local police, three people suffered minor injuries.
Significant disruptions have occurred on several highways: In eastern Hesse, police report that three highways are blocked in both directions: the A7, A4, and A5. The reason, according to a spokesperson, is trucks that have become stuck or are blocking the lanes. "The problem is the heavy freight traffic," the spokesperson said. Truck drivers are being urged to leave the highways and use rest areas. Snowplows and the Technical Relief Agency are on the scene.
Around two dozen trucks became stuck on the snow-covered A7 motorway in the Lower Franconian district of Bad Kissingen. As a police spokesperson reported, the Technical Relief Agency (THW) was called out overnight to tow them free. A burning truck caused traffic delays on the A2 near Garbsen, close to Hanover. The reason the truck spun out and caught fire on the icy road was initially unknown.
Weather Situation:
"I would not classify this as a once-in-a-century event. It definitely is not," said DWD meteorologist David Menzel in the morning. "It is a winter storm and - in the grand scheme of things - nothing particularly extraordinary." Nevertheless, severe weather warnings are in place for large parts of Germany, especially for the north and the central uplands.
The DWD forecasts "partly heavy snowfall moving in from the southwest," spreading as far as the Elbe. With stormy east winds, snowdrifts are possible, which could cause major disruptions to transportation. In southern and western Germany, the snow - also accompanied by strong winds from the southwest - is expected to turn to rain, leading to very slippery conditions.
From the North Sea into the east, widespread new snowfall of around 10 to 15 centimeters is expected. The German Weather Service anticipates the most snow in the so-called windward slopes of the central uplands. On the sides of the mountains facing the wind, up to 20 centimeters of new snow may fall.
And: "A large part of the snow will fall within three to six hours - local severe weather events!" according to the DWD. Snowfall is expected to gradually subside in the afternoon and evening.
Rail Traffic:
The railway expects delays and cancellations in long-distance services to be possible until Saturday. Travelers are advised to postpone their journeys if possible. Tickets already purchased can be used at a later date. In some areas, connections have been canceled as a precaution.
Railway spokesperson Achim Stauß told the "ZDF-Morgenmagazin" that safety remains the top priority for the railway. "Of course, we don't want to send trains onto the tracks in unsafe conditions, where they might not reach their destination or be unable to return." In such cases, it's better to hold the train at the station.
Currently, the main disruptions are on routes heading north, including to the North Sea as well as to Kiel, Rostock, and Ruegen. As a precaution, the railway has already taken about half of the trains out of service in those areas. Passengers are being informed via the information systems.
Air Traffic:
The winter weather has so far had no major impact on operations at Frankfurt Airport. Early in the morning, there were no restrictions on takeoffs or landings.
The weather situation will continue to be closely monitored throughout the day, especially with regard to the wind. "We will decide how to proceed on a situational basis," said the spokesperson at Germany's largest airport. On Thursday, around 200 aircraft had to be de-iced at the airport due to winter weather. Twenty-five de-icing vehicles were in use - "routine winter operations," as Fraport reported.
Ferry Traffic:
Ferry services along the Lower Saxony North Sea coast have largely come to a halt. Several islands are currently inaccessible by ship - including Langeoog, Spiekeroog, Norderney, and Wangerooge. The main problem is the expected strong east wind. It pushes the water away from the coast, making it impossible or difficult for ferries to operate.
Schools:
Snow day, at least for some students: In Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Bremen, and parts of Schleswig-Holstein, regular classes have been canceled across the board. According to the authorities, some distance learning and emergency childcare for younger children are available. The main reason for the closures is that school buses are not running and safe travel cannot be guaranteed.
In some regions of Bavaria, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg, and Berlin, in-person classes are also canceled or parents can excuse their children from school. In some places, daycare centers and kindergartens are also affected./may/DP/jha
