18 Dec 2022 | 10:53 AM UTC
Germany: Adverse winter weather forecast across the country through at least early Dec. 19
Adverse winter weather forecast across much of Germany through at least early Dec. 19. Hazardous travel conditions likely.
Event
Adverse weather, bringing heavy rain, black ice, frost, and strong winds, is forecast across much of Germany through at least early Dec. 19. The Deutscher Wetterdienst has issued a storm warning, with freezing rain and black ice forecast across the west of the country on Dec. 18. Light snow and frost are likely across the country through Dec. 19.
As of Dec. 18, the Deutscher Wetterdienst has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:
Red snowfall and ice warnings (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale): Bremen, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Schleswig-Holstein, and Saarland.
Yellow frost and low-temperature warnings: Nationwide.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
In addition to the heavy snow, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Sporadic power outages are possible throughout the affected area.
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. Dangerous and challenging driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roads 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.
