Weather Service Warns of Severe Icing - Black ice and freezing rain paralyze Lower Saxony roads for hours
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued severe black ice warnings for parts of southwestern and western Lower Saxony. Freezing rain and glaze ice have already made roads treacherous in the region. Authorities now expect the hazardous conditions to last well into the day.
Overnight, freezing rain and refreezing moisture formed dangerous icy patches across multiple districts. The DWD initially warned of black ice risks, but conditions worsened as snowfall added to the hazards. By morning, roads were covered in glaze ice, forcing school closures and disrupting transport.
The warning is now set to extend into the afternoon, with intermittent snowfall expected to continue. West of the Weser River, the risks will persist all day. Freezing rain and refreezing moisture will keep surfaces slippery, increasing the danger of accidents.
Several independent cities and districts in Lower Saxony have been affected since early January. While specific municipalities have not been named, the disruption has been widespread. Drivers and pedestrians are being urged to take extreme caution.
The icy conditions will remain at least until midday in most areas. West of the Weser, the threat of black ice and freezing rain will last even longer. Residents should prepare for ongoing travel delays and hazardous surfaces.
