Germany, Austria: Adverse winter weather forecast through at least Dec. 24 /update 1

Event

Ice, frost, and low temperatures are forecast across Germany and Austria through at least Dec. 24.

As of Dec. 23, the Deutscher Wetterdienst has issued the following warnings across Germany:

• Red black ice warning (the highest level on a four-tier scale): across eastern Bavaria State.

• Orange frost and black ice warnings: across far southern and far eastern Bavaria, northern Schleswig-Holstein, western and southern Lower Saxony, northern North Rhine-Westphalia, southwestern Saxony-Anhalt, far northern and southern Thuringia, southwestern Baden-Wurttemberg, and parts of central Hesse states.

• Yellow frost and snowfall warnings: across large parts of northern, northeastern, central, southeastern, and western Germany.

The Austria Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics has issued the following warnings across Austria:

• Orange cold stress warning: across southeastern Salzburg and Tyrol states.

• Yellow black ice and cold stress warnings: across most of the rest of Austria.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Transport
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in the region 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.

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.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Deutscher Wetterdienst (German)
Austria Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (German)