Germany: Winter weather warnings in effect in southern areas into at least late Dec. 2

The German Weather Service has issued Level 2 and Level 3 weather warnings (the third-highest and second-highest levels on a four-tier scale, respectively) for southern parts of Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg into at least late Dec. 2 due to forecast heavy snowfall. Snowfall amounts of 10-40 cm (4-16 inches) are forecast during the warning period. Snowfall had already caused flight disruptions at Munich Airport (MUC) as of Dec. 1.

As of Dec. 1, the German Weather Service had issued the following weather warnings:

• Level 2 heavy snowfall warnings: Parts of southern Bavaria near the Austrian border.

• Level 3 snowfall warnings: Parts of southern Bavaria, including Munich, and southern Baden-Wurttemberg.

The winter weather will likely cause disruptions to ground transport and business in the region over the coming hours. 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 highways if driving conditions become too hazardous. The winter weather may also cause flight delays and cancellations at additional airports in the region, especially if authorities issue ground stops and crews undertake deicing operations.