Red alert – the warning is sounding
In the middle of the night, the German Weather Service (DWD) issued an updated severe weather warning: Low-pressure system « Elli » is approaching from the west, bringing widespread snowfall of up to 40 cm and freezing drizzle in some areas. North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and the coastal regions are particularly affected, where snowdrifts will reduce visibility to almost zero.
At the same time, the freezing level is rising to unusually low levels – even Hamburg and Bremen are expected to experience double-digit sub-zero temperatures by Friday morning. Shortly after the announcement, emergency services reported more than 200 weather-related accidents.
Traffic chaos on roads and railways
Image: IMAGO / Jochen Tack
The A1 and A2 motorways were closed several times at dawn because trucks got stuck on icy inclines. A pile-up involving over 30 vehicles occurred on the A44 near Dortmund; emergency responders described the ice as « slippery as soap. »
Deutsche Bahn is also taking drastic measures: long-distance trains between Cologne, Hanover, and Berlin are canceled until Saturday, and regional trains are only running on a limited schedule. Travelers are advised to plan for overnight stays – hotels in many cities were already fully booked by midday.
School closures and emergency home office solutions
In Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and parts of Schleswig-Holstein, districts have declared a « snow emergency plan »: in-person classes are canceled, and distance learning is being improvised. In Hanover alone, 173 schools remain closed, and daycare centers are only offering emergency childcare.
Companies are shifting operations to home offices – those who can are leaving company cars parked. Courier services are warning of delays, and supermarkets are ordering extra deliveries to prevent empty shelves.
Weather analysts are pointing to a so-called « omega block » situation: Warm air from the southwest is piling up, while arctic cold air is flowing in from the east. If these two air masses collide head-on, widespread freezing rain is likely – a dangerous combination that can freeze entire power lines.
Dr. Anna Brandt from the Climate Hazard Centre speaks of « one of the most pronounced winter weather patterns since 2010 » and advises keeping batteries, candles, and drinking water on hand. Some grid operators are activating crisis teams to prepare for potential power outages in low mountain ranges.
The core of the concern – the life-threatening danger posed by this « double risk. »
Image: AI
On the one hand, icy overhead power lines could not only paralyze trains but also trigger widespread blackouts – a scenario reminiscent of the MĂĽnsterland snow chaos of 2005. On the other hand, the Robert Koch Institute warns of the risk of hypothermia and accidents: In sub-zero temperatures, wind gusts up to 100 km/h, and zero visibility, pedestrians lose their bearings, get stuck, and cool down rapidly.
The combination of potential power outages and the impossibility of quickly clearing escape routes leads authorities to speak of a « serious emergency situation. » Furthermore, foresters warn of falling branches and windthrow, which are turning forests into life-threatening zones.
Take action instead of hoping – this is how you protect yourself now
Authorities recommend postponing travel until next week, refueling vehicles, and preparing emergency kits. Those who rely on medication should check their supplies; heating systems should not be completely turned off to prevent burst pipes.
At the same time, meteorologists are offering cautious optimism: Starting Sunday, a milder Atlantic spell is expected, which could gradually push back the snow and ice. Until then, however, the advice is: stay indoors, remain calm – and keep your warning apps on.
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