Berlin and Brandenburg are bracing for another bout of icy streets on Friday as the German Weather Service (DWD) warns of spot‑wise freezing rain and spray‑rain that could create dangerous black ice.
Transport disruptions
The U‑line U2 resumed service between Eberswalder Straße and Pankow in the afternoon, but earlier in the day the same stretch was closed due to ice on the tracks. Passengers were advised to leverage the M1 tram as an alternative.
U3 remains out of service between Möckernbrücke and Gleisdreieck, and between Krumme Lanke and Breitenbachplatz, with replacement bus routes in place.
All bus and tram lines continue to run, though traffic is slower on icy roads.
At Berlin‑Brandenburg Airport (BER) the winter weather halted all take‑offs and landings. After a lengthy de‑icing process, the first flight departed for Amsterdam at 13 :00, but passengers still face delays and cancellations throughout the day.
Firefighters reported roughly 140 ice‑related calls by 13 :00, most of them falls, and the city’s trauma centre is operating at peak capacity, having cancelled outpatient appointments to free up staff.
Winter services and public safety
The Berliner Stadtreinigung (BSR) urges residents to clear sidewalks now while temperatures rise above freezing, as this is the most efficient time to chip away or sweep off ice.
In Kreuzberg, a kiosk owner resorted to a gas‑powered roof‑tile burner to melt ice on a sidewalk, saying “there is no other method.”
BSR as well offers free sand at seven distribution points across the city. Residents can collect up to ten kilograms per person at the following locations:
- Forckenbeckstraße 2, 14199 Berlin
- Mühlenstraße 8, 10243 Berlin
- Nobelstraße 59‑61, 12057 Berlin
- Lengeder Straße 6‑18, 13407 Berlin (new)
- Kniprodestraße 62, 10407 Berlin (new)
- Ringbahnstraße 96, 12103 Berlin (new)
- Kronprinzessinenweg 100‑112, 14129 Berlin (new)
Details on the free sand distribution can be found here.
Accidents and casualties
Multiple ice‑related crashes on the A10 north‑ring resulted in two serious injuries, prompting police to urge cautious driving.
In Brandenburg, three people died after two separate road accidents—one involving an 82‑year‑old woman in Neustadt/Dosse and another in Klettwitz where a five‑passenger vehicle struck a tree.
Berlin police recorded 103 traffic incidents between 4 a.m. And 10 a.m., 40 more than the same timeframe the previous week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weather conditions are expected in Berlin and Brandenburg on Friday?
The DWD forecasts spot‑wise freezing rain and spray‑rain, which can quickly form black ice on roads and sidewalks.
Why was the official ice warning lifted but the risk still present?
The warning was lifted at 9 a.m., but the DWD continues to warn of marked ice because freezing rain can still occur later in the day.
How are public transport services coping with the icy conditions?
U‑lines U2 and U3 face intermittent closures, with replacement bus services in place. Buses and trams operate normally, while the airport remains largely closed due to ice on runways.
How will you adjust your travel plans in light of the icy forecasts?
