Transport disrupted as heavy snow storms expected across Germany

Wrap up warm or better - stay at home! Snow storms and black ice are expected to make a comeback across Germany on January 17, 2024, with conditions already leading to flight cancellations and train disruptions.

Snow storms expected in western and central Germany

The German Weather Service (DWD) has warned residents that the country will see heavy snowfall. At least 15 centimetres of snow is expected to fall on Berlin on Wednesday, but western and central parts of the country are forecast to be the worst affected.

All over, but particularly in the southwest, pedestrians have been warned to take great care in case of black ice. Last week, black ice led to emergency services in Berlin declaring an “emergency situation” as all ambulances were in use at once. Paramedics have recommended pedestrians adopt the “penguin walk” with slow, small steps while the streets are slippery.

For all states and German cities that are south of Düsseldorf, Erfurt and Dresden, a level 3 severe weather warning has been issued. In the midwestern parts of the country, specifically the area surrounding Wiesbaden, Mainz, Frankfurt, Darmstadt and Saarbrücken, a level 4 warning has been issued. These warnings are currently forecast to last until the early morning of January 18.

Flights cancelled at Frankfurt Airport and BER following black ice

The inclement weather has already led to numerous flights being cancelled at Frankfurt Airport, cancellations and delays are expected to last into Thursday. According to a spokesperson from the airport, around 570 of 1.047 scheduled flights have already been cancelled.

Berlin’s BER Airport also announced that 20 flights heading out to or arriving from Frankfurt on Wednesday had been cancelled, alongside 10 between Munich and the capital. In Saarbücken, all flights have been grounded while the snowstorm passes.

Train passengers should also be aware of possible delays and cancellations throughout Wednesday and Thursday. A spokesperson from Deutsche Bahn announced that the international company had “intensively” prepared following weather warnings on Tuesday. However, a speed limit of 200 kilometres per hour for ICE trains will make delays inevitable.