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Hamburg and Bremen Shut Schools as Winter Storm 'Elli' Triggers Rail Cutbacks

Germany’s weather service warns of heavy snow, ice and strong winds overnight into Friday, and officials urge people to postpone nonessential travel.

Overview

  • Deutscher Wetterdienst forecasts widespread 10–20 cm of snow from the North Sea into eastern Germany, with freezing rain and snowdrifts expected in other regions.
  • Deutsche Bahn has reduced long‑distance services, warns of delays and cancellations through Saturday, and allows tickets for Thu–Sat to be used later without rebooking.
  • Hamburg reports major local disruption, with the Köhlbrandbrücke closed and S‑Bahn and bus services curtailed due to snow and ice.
  • Authorities confirm weather‑related crashes, including a fatal accident in Gehrde, and hospitals prepare for a surge of fall and collision injuries.
  • Commuters around Duisburg face compounded disruption as scheduled A40/A3 closures and a month‑long rail suspension (Jan 9–Feb 6) coincide with the storm.