Chains, Skids, Sleds - What Does the North Need Now? - Hamburg braces for icy dangers as winter freezes lakes and roads
Winter weather has arrived in Hamburg, bringing freezing temperatures and icy conditions. Authorities are warning residents to take extra precautions, especially around frozen lakes and ponds. The German Life Saving Association (DLRG) has issued strong advice against stepping onto ice, citing unpredictable thickness and high risks.
The DLRG stresses that ice must be at least 15 to 20 centimetres thick before anyone should consider walking on it. Even then, dark spots signal dangerously thin areas. Water bodies with currents, such as near inlets or outlets, can have sudden changes in ice stability, making them particularly hazardous.
If someone falls through the ice, the DLRG urges immediate calls to 112 for emergency help. Bystanders should avoid attempting rescues themselves but instead try reaching the person with long sticks or ropes from the shore. Anyone who hears cracking beneath their feet should lie flat, distribute their weight, and crawl toward land on their stomach. For those driving, freezing rain can turn roads into skating rinks. Winter tyres, ABS, ESP, or snow chains offer little help on black ice. Drivers caught in such conditions are advised to pull over and wait for road crews if needed. Keeping the fuel tank at least half full and carrying warm blankets, snacks, water, and a phone charger (with a power bank) is also recommended. More snow is expected over the weekend, though it may not be enough for sledding in northern areas. Precipitation could fall as rain, snow, or sleet. Meanwhile, ice skating should only take place in designated areas—even on frozen fields—to avoid disturbing migratory birds in nature reserves. If venturing outside during extreme weather, the DLRG suggests shuffling in small steps, like penguins, to improve stability and reduce slipping. Those who don’t need to go out are advised to stay home for safety.
The warnings come as Hamburg faces a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Official ice thickness checks are still pending, and authorities remind the public that personal safety must come first. Anyone unsure about conditions should avoid frozen water entirely and follow emergency guidelines if accidents occur.
