Snow and ice cause traffic chaos in and around Mainz - Winter chaos paralyzes Mainz as snow and ice trigger 85 accidents in hours
Heavy snowfall and icy roads brought traffic to a standstill in and around Mainz on February 2, 2026. The sudden winter weather caused widespread disruptions, leaving roads gridlocked and public transport in chaos. Emergency services reported dozens of accidents as conditions worsened throughout the afternoon.
Snow began falling in the Mainz-Bingen district early on February 2, accumulating between 1 and 5 centimetres by midday. The icy conditions quickly made roads treacherous, leading to at least 85 accidents within the Mainz police district between 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM. Traffic congestion spread across nearly all major routes, including highways, as drivers struggled in the slippery conditions.
Public transport suffered severe setbacks. Buses and trams faced long delays, with steep inclines in the outer districts proving particularly difficult to navigate. Many services were cancelled entirely, stranding passengers. The Eswe transport company in Wiesbaden and KRN Kommunalverkehr Rhein-Nahe GmbH suspended their scheduled operations due to the hazardous weather.
The situation worsened as afternoon traffic peaked. Buses and trucks became stuck, blocking key routes and adding to the gridlock. By February 3 and 4, the snow band moved northward, eventually clearing into drier conditions by midday on February 4. However, temperatures in the southwest remained mild, hovering between 0 and 5°C with cold easterly winds.
The snowfall and icy roads left lasting disruptions across Mainz and the surrounding region. Transport services gradually resumed as conditions improved, but delays persisted into the following day. Authorities advised caution as lingering ice and cold winds continued to pose risks.
