Germany Under Severe Weather Alert: Heavy Snowfall, Strong Winds, and Black Ice Expected

Nationwide Severe Weather Warnings Issued

The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued comprehensive severe weather warnings for Friday, January 9, 2026, impacting numerous regions across Germany. The warnings encompass heavy snowfall, strong winds, and the risk of black ice, as a powerful storm low, named 'ELLI', moves across the country. Authorities are urging residents to exercise extreme caution and, where possible, avoid unnecessary travel.

Expected Conditions and Affected Regions

The DWD forecasts a combination of hazardous weather phenomena. Heavy snowfall is anticipated, with general accumulations of 5 to 10 centimeters, and regional totals potentially reaching up to 15 centimeters. In higher elevations and areas prone to snow accumulation, up to 20 centimeters of fresh snow could fall. Strong winds and stormy gusts are also expected, with hurricane-like gusts possible along the North Sea coast. These winds, combined with snowfall, are likely to cause significant snowdrifts, severely limiting visibility. Additionally, the threat of black ice (Glatteis) due to freezing rain poses a considerable risk, particularly in areas where milder air meets colder temperatures.

Regions particularly affected include:

• Northern Germany: Schleswig-Holstein, Niedersachsen, Hamburg, and coastal areas, including Nordfriesland (Föhr and Amrum), are bracing for significant snowfall and strong winds.
• Central Germany: Sachsen-Anhalt, including the Altmarkkreis Salzwedel, and parts of Thüringen, are under warnings for snow, wind, and glatteis.
• Southern Germany: The southeast of Bavaria and the Bayreuth region have elevated warning levels, with substantial snowfall expected.

While initial severe weather warnings for Berlin were lifted early Friday morning as the expected intensity was not confirmed, slippery conditions and snowdrifts remain a possibility.

Impact on Travel and Daily Life

The severe weather is projected to cause widespread disruptions. School closures and the suspension of compulsory attendance have been announced in numerous regions, including Niedersachsen, Bremen, Hamburg, parts of Schleswig-Holstein, and parts of Bavaria. The Deutsche Bahn has already indicated potential delays and cancellations in long-distance train services. Public transport and ferry services are also expected to face restrictions or cancellations. Motorists are warned of extremely hazardous road conditions, with a high risk of accidents due to snow, ice, and reduced visibility. Beyond transportation, there is also a risk of power outages in some areas.

Safety Recommendations

The DWD and local authorities advise the public to take precautionary measures. Residents should regularly check the latest weather warnings and local information. If travel is unavoidable, it is recommended to use vehicles equipped for winter conditions and carry emergency supplies. Commuters should anticipate delays and disruptions, and consider postponing non-essential journeys. Furthermore, preparing for potential power outages is advisable.