Winter Weather Chaos: Schools Closed and Transport Disrupted Across Northern Germany
BERLIN, 28 January 2026 – A series of severe winter weather events paralysed parts of Germany throughout January 2026, leading to widespread school closures, major transport disruptions, and the temporary halt of industrial production. The disruptions began with snowstorm “Elli” and were followed by dangerous episodes of freezing rain, creating hazardous black ice conditions.
Storm “Elli” Triggers Initial Wave of Closures
The first major disruption came with the arrival of storm low “Elli” in early January. The German Weather Service (DWD) issued severe weather warnings, forecasting heavy snowfall of 10-20cm and strong winds, particularly in northern regions. In response, authorities took precautionary measures to ensure public safety.
On Friday 9 January, all schools in the states of Lower Saxony, Bremen, and Hamburg were closed. The decision was based on the inability to guarantee safe travel for pupils and staff, with school bus services suspended. Volkswagen announced the suspension of production at its Emden plant in Lower Saxony for the day, citing risks to employees and supply chains. Deutsche Bahn, the national rail operator, cancelled all long-distance services in northern Germany, with the important Hanover hub severely affected.
Freezing Rain Creates Widespread “Black Ice” Emergency
Following the snow, a second hazardous weather situation developed from 12 January onwards. The DWD warned of a “supra-regional black ice situation” as freezing rain fell onto frozen ground, creating a thin, nearly invisible, and extremely slippery layer of ice. This phenomenon, known as “Glatteis,” is considered particularly dangerous for road traffic.
The states of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, and Saarland were among those under official severe weather warnings. Authorities described the conditions as a “danger to life and limb.”
Key Facts and Impacts of the January 2026 Winter Disruptions
| Aspect | Impact Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Education | School closures in Lower Saxony, Bremen, Hamburg (9 Jan). Nationwide switch to distance learning in NRW (12 Jan). Closures also in parts of Hesse, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt. Emergency childcare was provided. |
| Transport Disruption | Deutsche Bahn cancelled long-distance trains in the north (9 Jan). Speed restrictions on key routes like Hanover-Frankfurt due to ice (12 Jan). Over 100 flights cancelled at Frankfurt Airport. Multiple motorways blocked by accidents. |
| Industrial Impact | Volkswagen suspended production at its Emden plant on 9 January. Ferry services to North Sea islands were halted. |
| Weather Cause | Initial heavy snowfall and winds from storm “Elli,” followed by a widespread black ice event caused by freezing rain on frozen ground. |
| Official Guidance | The DWD and authorities urged the public to avoid all non-essential travel. Drivers were advised to carry blankets and warm drinks in case of emergencies. |
Regional Responses and Official Statements
The response to the icy conditions varied by state but was uniformly focused on safety. In North Rhine-Westphalia, Education Minister Dorothee Feller emphasised that the shift to distance learning on 12 January was “not a school holiday,” but a necessary measure to prevent injuries on dangerous routes to school. The state government mandated remote learning for all schools, with only emergency childcare offered on-site.
Similar measures were enacted elsewhere. In the Saarland, Education Minister Christine Streichert-Clivot cancelled in-person classes, stating, “Given the severe icy conditions, we cannot be responsible for the regular commute to school.”
Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder acknowledged the significant disruptions to rail travel and stated that Deutsche Bahn would review its handling of the situation. He praised railway employees for working under extreme conditions to clear tracks and restore services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides on school closures in Germany?
Decisions are typically made at the local district (Landkreis) or city level, based on safety assessments of road conditions and transport availability. During widespread events, state ministries may issue overarching directives, as seen in North Rhine-Westphalia.
What happens when schools close due to weather?
Schools usually switch to distance learning where possible. Emergency childcare is offered for children whose parents cannot provide supervision at home. Parents are informed via official school websites, apps, and direct communication.
Why does winter weather cause such major disruption in Germany?
While Germany experiences winter, extreme snowfall and black ice events are relatively rare. The country’s dense, interconnected transport network and just-in-time manufacturing processes are highly sensitive to such disruptions. Widespread ice can paralyse road and rail networks almost instantly, creating a cascade of delays and cancellations.