Overview
- The German Weather Service issued severe warnings for Hamburg and most of Schleswig-Holstein on Friday, forecasting 10–15 centimeters of snow, strong winds and persistent snowdrifts.
- Classes are canceled in Hamburg and nine Schleswig-Holstein districts, and all of Niedersachsen closed schools for Friday, while Berlin and Brandenburg lifted compulsory attendance.
- Transport is curtailed: Deutsche Bahn urges against nonessential trips and trims service, Nordbahn cancels morning runs pending review, Oldenburg halts buses at dawn, North Sea ferries largely stop, and VW pauses Friday production in Emden.
- Authorities and the ADAC advise people to stay home and work remotely if possible, as winter services warn that limited capacity cannot ensure clear roads and paths.
- De-icing rules diverge as Hamburg permits salt use through January 21 and Braunschweig allows limited sidewalk salt from Friday to Monday, while Berlin says its legal framework bars any exception, and retailers report local salt shortages.