Navigating Icy Roads in Germany: A Weather Service Warning
Germany's west, southwest, and central regions are under a meteorological advisory. The German Weather Service (DWD) is warning of increased slipperiness due to freezing rain and black ice, urging caution on the roads.
Last night, a warning of significant slipperiness stretched from the Jade Bay to Lake Constance, affecting areas as diverse as Germany's western border to Hanover, Erfurt, and Ulm. The DWD's advice? Avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and journeys, modify driving behaviors, and plan for delays and obstacles.
Freezing rain occurs when rain falls on frost-covered grounds, instantly turning into treacherous black ice. While the warning is valid in many regions until 1 PM, it reaches parts of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria until 3 PM.
Backdrop to the slippery roads: A rail strike makes evading trains a challenge.
In the afternoon, rain and snow move toward the east, raising black ice risks. Warmth spikes to 8 degrees Celsius in the west, melting slippery roads. Elsewhere, temperatures hover between -2 and +3 degrees, leaving ice patches a lingering threat.
Stay safe on the roads with heightened vigilance, as slippery surfaces demand extra caution.
Additional Insights
Monitor the Situation with These Resources:
- Viamichelin Traffic News:
- Visit Viamichelin's website for real-time updates on traffic conditions, including roadworks, accidents, and slow-moving traffic in Munich and other German areas covering potential hazards on the roads.
- TDOT Smartway Map:
- Although designed for Nashville, Tennessee, the TDOT Smartway Map could serve as a model for checking current road conditions in Germany.
- Local Weather Services and Road Condition Websites:
- Regional authorities often provide weather warnings and road condition updates on their websites. In Germany, the Bavarian State Ministry of the Environment and Consumer Protection offers such information [1].
- Mobile Apps:
- Apps like Waze, Google Maps, and German traffic apps like "Deutsche Bahn" or "Autobahn-App" often come with weather-related updates.
- Local News Websites and Social Media:
- Keep an eye on German local news websites and social media channels for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.
Following these resources allows you to navigate safely during freezing rain and black ice in Germany.
Source:
[1] Bavarian State Ministry of the Environment and Consumer Protection:
