After delivering heavy snow and widespread travel disruptions earlier in the week, Storm Elli has passed Germany milder than expected, with most rail services restored by Sunday. Approaching Low Gunda now threatens freezing rain and severe black ice nationwide, prompting Monday school closures in several states.
Storm 'Elli', which brought intense snowfalls and gale-force winds as previously reported, ultimately proved less severe overall. Deutsche Bahn suspended long-distance services in the north since Friday but reported two-thirds of trains running normally by Sunday midday, per DB CEO Evelyn Palla. 'The major main lines are all cleared and passable.' DB InfraGo head Philipp Nagl anticipates only minor Monday restrictions from potential freezing rain.
Following a sunny but cold Sunday, Low 'Gunda' advances with snow and rain set to freeze amid icy temperatures. The German Weather Service (DWD) warns of a 'nationwide severe black ice situation,' meteorologist Oliver Reuter said. The ADAC urges avoiding unnecessary drives, while Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schneider (CDU) stated: 'The danger is not entirely over.' Warnings span Lower Saxony, Bremen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, parts of Baden-Württemberg, all of Bavaria, western Thuringia, and southwestern Saxony-Anhalt.
Schools are closed Monday in North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Bremen, with emergency care only. 'The health and safety of our students is our top priority,' NRW Education Minister Dorothee Feller (CDU) emphasized. Weekend black ice accidents included a fatal one near Korbach claiming a 27-year-old man; Berlin police warned against frozen waters. DWD expects winter conditions to ease by Wednesday.
