Ongoing: Severe winter weather conditions continue across large parts of Germany on Friday, 9 January 2026, as the German Weather Service (Deutscher Wetterdienst, DWD) maintains elevated warning levels and authorities implement precautionary measures in response to Storm “Elli,” the weather system currently impacting the nation. The situation remains active with continuing disruptions and warnings issued for snow, ice, and strong winds.

The DWD has issued official weather warnings at elevated levels for extensive regions, particularly in northern and eastern Germany, where heavy snowfall, snowdrifts, icy roads, and gusty winds are forecast through Friday and into Saturday. In several areas, the warning level has reached the third highest of four possible categories, indicating severe weather risk, with snowfall totals of up to 15–20 centimetres and hazardous conditions expected.

These warnings have prompted authorities and public services to take precautionary actions. Schools in multiple federal states, including Lower Saxony, Hamburg, and Bremen, have closed or shifted to remote instruction due to the hazardous conditions and transportation challenges. Rail operators, including Deutsche Bahn, have suspended long-distance train services in northern Germany and advised of delays and cancellations across regional networks as snow and ice impact rail infrastructure.

Road traffic has also been significantly impacted by the winter weather. Snow-covered highways and icy secondary roads have slowed or halted travel in many regions, leading to blockages on major routes in eastern Hesse and other areas where vehicles have become stuck. Emergency services and winter maintenance crews are deployed to clear roads and assist motorists, while officials urge residents to avoid non-essential travel.

Meteorologists from the DWD continue to issue updated forecasts and warnings as Storm “Elli” evolves. There have been public discussions among weather experts about the severity and interpretation of forecast models for the storm, though the DWD’s official warnings are based on current observational data and modeling. The agency’s guidance remains in effect, advising caution and preparedness amid the continuing winter weather.

Authorities have not reported widespread casualties directly linked to the weather at this stage, though numerous weather-related traffic accidents and disruptions to infrastructure and public services have been documented. The situation is being actively monitored by national and regional weather and emergency agencies as the storm system persists.

Sources

• ZDF Heute
• MarketScreener
• t-online.de