Northern Germany paralyzed by heavy snow as gritting services struggle
Heavy snow and icy conditions have brought widespread disruption to parts of northern Germany. Lower Saxony has been particularly hard hit, with transport delays, school closures, and strained gritting services. The wintry weather is also affecting areas near the Dutch border, though specific Dutch municipalities have not yet been named in reports.
The regions of Emsland and Grafschaft Bentheim, which border the Dutch provinces of Groningen, Drenthe, and Overijssel, have seen severe weather impacts. Schools in both districts will stay closed due to dangerous road conditions. Nearby, the Osnabrück area is also struggling, with bus services cancelled and gritting teams working intensively to keep routes clear.
Meppen, a municipality in Emsland, is facing additional challenges. Local gritting operations are limited, and salt supplies are running low. The shortages come as Lower Saxony deals with some of the worst winter conditions in recent years.
Across the Netherlands, Code Orange warnings were issued between January 8 and 11, 2026, leading to traffic chaos and widespread snowfall. While general disruptions have been reported, no specific Dutch border towns near Emsland or Grafschaft Bentheim have been identified as affected.
The wintry weather continues to disrupt daily life in northern Germany, with transport networks and schools bearing the brunt. Gritting services in Meppen are under pressure, while neighbouring regions push to maintain essential routes. Authorities are monitoring the situation as cold conditions persist.
