Central Europe: Adverse winter weather forecast across Germany and parts of the northern Czech Republic and northern Poland through at least Jan. 16

Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast across parts of central Europe through at least Jan. 16. Strong winds and cold temperatures are forecast across much of Germany, with snowfall accumulations possible in elevated parts of the country. Snowfall and strong winds are also expected in parts of the northern Czech Republic and northern Poland. Gusty winds and snowfall will likely combine to produce blowing and drifting snow in parts of the affected area; blizzard conditions are possible. Hazardous travel conditions are likely due to slippery roads and reduced visibility. Sporadic power outages are possible throughout the affected areas.

As of Jan. 15, the respective meteorological agencies have issued the following weather warnings across the affected region:

• Orange snowfall warnings: Parts of western Hesse, southeastern Lower Saxony, eastern, southern, and western North Rhine-Westphalia, northern Rhineland-Palatinate, western Saxony-Anhalt, southern Saxony, and northern Thuringia states in Germany and central and eastern Pomerania Province in Poland.

• Orange snowstorm/blizzard warnings: Parts of northern and southeastern Karlovy Vary, eastern Liberec, northwestern Moravian-Silesian, far northern Olomouc, and northeastern Pardubice regions in the Czech Republic and northern Pomerania, northwestern Warmia-Masuria, and northern West Pomerania provinces in Poland.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Across northeastern and parts of eastern, far northwestern, far southeastern, and far southern Germany and northern Pomerania, northwestern Warmia-Masuria, and northern West Pomerania provinces in Poland.

• Yellow snowfall warnings: Across parts of central, eastern, southeastern, far southern, and western Germany and much of West Pomerania, western Pomerania, and far northern Greater Poland provinces in Poland.

• Yellow snowstorm/blizzard warnings: Across the rest of the affected areas in the northern Czech Republic and northern Poland not under orange snowstorm/blizzard warnings.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across eastern and parts of central, far northern, southwestern, and western Germany.

• Yellow frost warnings: Across much of central, southern, and western Germany.

• Yellow black ice warnings: Across much of Germany.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in affected areas 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 airports in the region.