Storm Elli: Travel Chaos in Northern Germany – Rail, Roads & Schools Affected

A winter storm, dubbed “Elli,” is causing widespread disruption across parts of Northern Europe, particularly in Germany and France. The German Weather Service continues to warn of severe snowdrifts in areas between Ostfriesland, the Elbe-Weser Triangle, Dithmarschen, and the Danish border, with orkanartige (orkan-like) gusts expected on Helgoland through this evening.

Travel Disrupted

The storm is significantly impacting travel. In Northern Germany, all long-distance train service has been suspended until further notice, with a gradual resumption expected tomorrow. Delays and cancellations are affecting rail travel nationwide. Passengers are advised to postpone travel if possible, and existing tickets will be honored at a later date.

While Frankfurt and Berlin-Brandenburg airports are currently operating normally, numerous flights have been canceled in Hannover and Hamburg. Ferry service along the Lower Saxon North Sea coast has largely come to a standstill, leaving islands like Langeoog, Spiekeroog, Norderney, and Wangerooge inaccessible by ship.

School and Road Closures

The storm has prompted school closures in Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Bremen, and parts of Schleswig-Holstein, with some areas offering distance learning and emergency childcare. Similar disruptions are reported in regions of Bavaria, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg, and Berlin, where in-person classes are canceled or parents are permitted to keep children home. In several cities, bus service has been suspended as a precaution.

Dangerous road conditions have led to numerous accidents, particularly in Bavaria. Three Autobahns in East Hesse – the A7, A4, and A5 – were temporarily blocked in both directions due to stranded and jackknifed trucks. Near Calw in Baden-Württemberg, three people sustained minor injuries when a bus slid down an embankment.

Impact Extends to France

The effects of “Elli” are also being felt in France, where approximately 380,000 households are without power. The Flamanville nuclear reactor was temporarily taken offline due to a disruption in the external high-voltage line, impacting power supply to roughly two million homes. The highest level of weather alert has been issued for the English Channel coast, and rail service is experiencing disruptions.

The Unwetterwarnung (severe weather warning) for heavy snowfall in Berlin and Brandenburg has been lifted, and North Rhine-Westphalia is expected to be largely spared. However, warnings remain in place for dangerous snowfall in the Sauerland and parts of Ostwestfalen. Police are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution on all roads.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas are currently under a severe weather warning?

The German Weather Service has issued a severe weather warning for areas between Ostfriesland, the Elbe-Weser Triangle, Dithmarschen, and the Danish border, valid until early Saturday.

Is air travel affected?

Frankfurt and Berlin-Brandenburg airports are currently operating normally, but numerous flights have been canceled in Hannover and Hamburg.

What is being done to address the disruptions?

Rail service in Northern Germany has been suspended, schools have been closed in several regions, and authorities are advising caution on the roads.

As the storm moves eastward, it is likely to continue causing disruptions to travel and daily life. Residents in affected areas should stay informed of the latest weather updates and heed the advice of local authorities.