Gunda Brings Freezing Rain and Ice Warnings Across Germany

The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued warnings about icy conditions across large parts of Germany. According to the DWD, freezing rain on Monday could lead to dangerous ice formation in several federal states, including parts of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, and Saxony.

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From the west, low-pressure weather “Gunda” is expected to bring snow followed by rain, which may freeze in the air or upon contact with frozen ground due to icy temperatures, the DWD said. The result will be “a widespread, severe icy weather situation,” according to DWD meteorologist Oliver Reuter. For large parts of Germany, the second-highest severe weather warning level for ice remains in effect. While conditions have eased in areas such as the Lower Rhine region, warnings remain valid in places including Erfurt until 10 p.m. Meteorologists urged people to avoid car travel, warning of a “danger to life and limb.”

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Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) urged drivers and pedestrians to remain cautious. Following storm system “Elli,” “the danger is not completely over yet,” he told the newspaper Bild. “We are now going to see thawing conditions. Rain will fall on frozen ground.” As a result, he said, “dangerous icy conditions may occur on Monday and Tuesday.”

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Storm “Elli” hit Germany on Friday, with strong winds and heavy snowfall in some areas causing major disruptions. Rail traffic in northern Germany was severely affected. Authorities and transport companies called on people to stay at home where possible. Severe weather warnings were in effect, and schools were closed in several federal states.

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In North Rhine-Westphalia, in-person classes will also be suspended on Monday due to the risk of ice. Schools have been asked to switch to “distance learning,” the Ministry of Education in Düsseldorf announced on Sunday. In many areas of Lower Saxony, in-person classes will also be canceled on Monday.

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