Overview
- The German Weather Service’s severe-weather warning for storm Elli took effect at 7:00, forecasting strong snowdrifts and icy roads for Hamburg, large parts of Lower Saxony and most of Schleswig-Holstein.
- Hamburg’s street service began at 2:00 with 728 staff and 360 vehicles to grit and clear main roads, bus corridors, and selected bicycle and pedestrian routes.
- The Köhlbrandbrücke is receiving special priority from dedicated vehicles to protect vital port and commuter connections.
- Authorities urged residents to stay home where possible, and all general and vocational schools in Hamburg plus nine districts in Schleswig-Holstein declared a snow day.
- Rail, bus and ferry services expect ongoing restrictions, and officials warn operations could shift to emergency routing if snowfall and gusts intensify, echoing the severe winter of 2010/2011.