Overview
- Germany’s weather service warns that Sturmtief Elli will bring widespread snowfall with 10–20 centimeters possible from the North Sea into the east, plus blustery winds, drifting and icy conditions.
- Deutsche Bahn is trimming long‑distance service in the north and northeast from Thursday afternoon, capping speeds on key ICE routes, and lifting ticket restrictions with free reservation changes as delays and cancellations are expected.
- After a wind‑turbine rotor blade was secured, the A44 between Jackerath and Holz reopened following a hours‑long safety closure; in Hamburg, the A1 was shut for several hours to recover a broken heavy transport, with extensive detours.
- Farm groups plan tractor protests at numerous autobahn access points in Brandenburg and Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern on Thursday, with police insisting ramps remain passable and warning of delays; Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern also flags potential winter‑service staffing gaps due to a strike call.
- Major renewal works at Duisburg’s Kreuz Kaiserberg are triggering multiple full closures in January and long ramp shutdowns lasting at least until mid‑2027, while regional bus operators caution of delays and isolated cancellations in snow and ice.