03 Jan 2022 | 09:14 AM UTC
Germany: Adverse winter weather forecast to continue nationwide through at least Jan. 5
Severe weather forecast to continue across Germany through at least Jan. 5. Possible disruptions to transport, business, and utilities.
Event
A storm system is forecast to continue bringing severe weather across Germany through at least Jan. 5.
As of early Jan. 3, the German Weather Service has issued orange wind warnings (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale) for far southern Baden-Wurttemberg, southern and eastern Bavaria, Berlin, most of Brandenburg, coastal areas of Lower Saxony, far northern Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, southern North Rhine-Westphalia, most of Rhineland-Palatinate, northern Saxony-Anhalt, coastal areas of Schleswig-Holstein, and southern Thuringia states. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days. Authorities have warned of continuous rain in southwest and southern Germany as well as in parts of Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate late Jan. 4-5. Sporadic power outages are possible throughout the affected area.
Transport
The severe weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions across portions of Germany over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the North Sea and Baltic Sea if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
