Freezing rain and fog are set to build roads and sidewalks slick again on Saturday across Berlin and parts of Brandenburg, with the German Weather Service (DWD) warning of especially dangerous conditions in the morning.
Transport disruptions
Berlin‑Brandenburg Airport (BER)
The airport announced a “stable” operation this morning, but flights are still delayed and many have been cancelled. A Paris flight was three hours late and a Palma de Mallorca service was delayed by 75 minutes. Due to the fact that of blizzard ice, the airport was shut down from Thursday night and only resumed limited departures on Friday afternoon, with about three‑quarters of the planned 500 take‑offs and landings cancelled by evening.
Airlines are advised to check the flight status before travel.
U‑Bahn network
Ice on overhead lines forced the U2 and U3 lines to run on reduced timetables. The U2 now runs a 15‑minute interval between Rosa‑Luxemburg‑Platz and Pankow, while sections between Alexanderplatz and Pankow remain closed. The U3 continues to be blocked between Warschauer Straße and Gleisdreieck and between Krumme Lanke and Breitenbachplatz. Bus and tram services are operating normally, and replacement buses have been deployed on affected U‑Bahn sections.
Roads, accidents and emergency services
Glazed highways have caused multiple accidents. The A10 (northern Berlin ring) was closed after two serious crashes, leaving two people seriously injured. In Brandenburg, three fatalities were reported in two separate crashes, though the exact role of the weather remains unclear.
The fire department logged around 140 ice‑related calls before 1 p.m., mostly for falls, and the Berlin Unfallkrankenhaus reported a high patient load, though staff are prepared for the surge.
Winter service response
The BSR is continuously clearing and salting main roads, but many side streets and sidewalks remain slippery. The agency recommends using the brief periods when temperatures rise above freezing to chip or sweep ice, which requires far less effort than breaking thick ice during a hard freeze. Free split (streusplitt) can be collected at seven city locations at no cost to residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weather conditions are expected on Saturday?
Freezing rain, sleet and occasional snow are forecast, with temperatures dropping to around minus one degree Celsius. An official warning for marked ice remains in effect until noon.
Why are flights at BER still delayed?
Blizzard ice and freezing rain have made the runway surfaces slippery, requiring lengthy de‑icing procedures that can take up to an hour per aircraft, which leads to widespread delays and cancellations.
Who is responsible for clearing ice on sidewalks?
According to the BSR, sidewalk clearing is the duty of local residents and property owners, while the city’s winter service focuses on main roads and public‑transport routes.
How will the situation evolve if the forecasted ice persists?
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