Despite the chilly winter weather continuing to haunt southern Bavaria, things took a bit of a breather as the night wore on. The police in Upper Bavaria South reported just a smattering of minor accidents, none resulting in serious injury or fatality. A spokesperson explained, "A few trees fell, but the accidents only led to minor damage." Lower Bavaria mirrored this trend, with the typical number of accidents for the period. The quietness echoed through northern Upper Bavaria and Swabia as well.
Bavaria wasn't the only region grappling with winter weather woes. Parts of northern Germany also report accidents attributed to slick roads. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a vehicle veered off a snow-covered road, crashing into a tree. Unfortunately, the occupants sustained serious injuries.
As for trains and flights, the disruptions continued. There were no trains operating at Munich Central Station in the early morning, with Deutsche Bahn announcing further updates shortly. Munich Airport's reopening plans remained uncertain, having initially halted operations until 6 a.m. due to unfavorable weather conditions.
According to the German Weather Service, Bavaria can expect isolated snow flurries in most areas by Sunday, with the eastern low mountain ranges and Alps receiving several centimeters of fresh snow. Avalanche risks and snow drifts should also be anticipated in the Alps. Temperatures will plummet, reaching as low as -15 degrees south of the Danube.
Looking ahead, parts of Lower Saxony, including the North Sea coast and areas between the Ore Mountains and the Harz Mountains, will potentially experience occasional snowfall. Munich to southern Bavaria and western and southwest regions can expect rain. Meteorologists anticipate black ice in these areas as well.
The weekend previous was a different story, as freezing temperatures, snow, and black ice caused havoc in Bavaria. Accidents, lengthy traffic jams, and flight cancellations plagued Munich and Memmingen airports. Numerous rail routes suffered service disruptions, leaving many passengers stranded overnight in trains in Ulm and Munich. The Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Munich and 1. FC Union Berlin was even postponed.
Additional Insights
Heavy rainfall events are known to wreak havoc on rail infrastructure, leading to grave consequences such as floods, landslides, and tree falls. These conditions can severely impede rail operations. Meanwhile, wintry weather conditions threaten roadways as well, making travel particularly hazardous.
Disrupptions impacting the transportation sector are not uncommon during near-freezing weather, causing traffic jams, flight delays or cancellations, and disrupted train services. Rain, snow, and ice can lead to treacherous conditions, making travel difficult for both vehicles and aircraft.
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