Storm "Elli": Snowstorm Paralyzes Germany
The worst winter storm since 2010 hits Germany. Schools close, trains cancelled, highways blocked.
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In Brief
- ❄️ Snow chaos: 10-20cm fresh snow, up to 40cm in mountains
- 💨 Hurricane-force gusts: Up to 115 km/h (70 mph) at the North Sea coast
- 🏫 Schools closed: All of Lower Saxony, Bremen, Hamburg, parts of other states
- 🚗 VW halts production: Emden plant cancels both shifts
- 🚆 Trains cancelled: No long-distance service in northern Germany until midday
- 🛣️ Highways blocked: A4, A5, A7 in eastern Hesse – jackknifed trucks
- 🥶 Bitter cold: Feels like -11 to -16°C (12 to 3°F) in north and east
What's Happening?
Germany is experiencing its worst winter storm since 2010. Storm "Elli" is sweeping across the country with hurricane-force winds, massive snowfall, and icy roads. Schools are closing, factories are halting production, trains are cancelled. Up to 20cm of fresh snow in just hours.
Especially affected: Northern and eastern Germany.
Why Is This Unusual?
Two extremely different air masses are colliding: Mild Atlantic air from the southwest meets polar cold air from the northeast. Right at this boundary, the snowstorm develops – with drifting, icy roads, and in some areas even freezing rain.
The German Weather Service calls this a "critical weather situation." A comparable snowstorm last happened in 2010.
What Happens Next?
Saturday should bring some relief. But the cold stays: Especially in the northeast, winter conditions could persist until mid-January. Night temperatures may drop to -15°C (5°F).