Wilhelmshaven is preparing for significant disruptions as a renewed winter storm is forecast to bring heavy snowfall and strong winds on Thursday and Friday, January 8th and 9th, 2026. As a result, all student transportation is canceled, leading to the closure of in-person classes at all primary and secondary schools in the city.
School Closures and Remote Learning
The decision to cancel school and transportation was made in close coordination with the Friesland district, particularly due to the cross-regional nature of student transport for the two Catholic schools and vocational schools. A system of emergency childcare will be provided for those who need it.
Individual schools will determine whether to implement home-schooling arrangements. However, the BBS Wilhelmshaven has already announced it will conduct classes remotely during the storm.
According to Wilhelmshaven’s Oberbürgermeister Carsten Feist, “For the coming two days, further snowfall is predicted,” and “dangerous drifts can also occur due to the strong wind.” He emphasized that the early cancellation is intended to provide families and school personnel with planning certainty, with safety as the top priority.
City Services Impacted
The storm is also impacting city administrative services. City administration offices will operate with limited accessibility over the next two days. While essential services will continue, employees have been granted increased flexibility, with the option to work from home or take leave if their commute becomes unsafe.
Oberbürgermeister Feist acknowledged the strain on winter maintenance services, stating that they are operating continuously but are reaching their personnel and material limits due to the unusually high snowfall for the region – a situation he noted is occurring nationwide. He expressed gratitude to all those involved in snow removal, including TBW, private contractors, school maintenance staff, and even private residents clearing their properties.
What Might Happen Next
If the predicted snowfall and wind speeds materialize, travel conditions could remain hazardous even after the initial storm period. It is possible that schools could extend the closures beyond Friday, January 9th, depending on the effectiveness of snow removal efforts. The city may also experience further disruptions to services as the storm progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will all schools be closed?
All primary and secondary schools in Wilhelmshaven will be closed to in-person learning on Thursday and Friday, January 8th and 9th, 2026, due to the cancellation of student transportation.
Is childcare available?
Yes, emergency childcare will be provided during the school closures.
What is the city doing to manage the storm?
The city’s winter maintenance services are working continuously, and city administration employees have been given flexibility to work from home or take leave if their commute is unsafe.
How do you think communities balance the need for continued services with the safety of residents during severe weather events?
