After UK and US, Germany hit by heavy snow, freezing rain

Adverse winter weather conditions led to the cancellation of numerous flights on Wednesday at Frankfurt Airport, Germany's busiest, as the country grappled with heavy snowfall and freezing rain.

A spokesperson for Frankfurt Airport stated that by late morning, 570 out of 1,047 flights had been canceled due to the approaching severe weather in Germany's business capital. By early afternoon, all remaining departures were removed from the schedule as freezing rain set in, although landings were still feasible. The duration of the disruption was not immediately clear.

Munich Airport also reported "significant restrictions in flight service" due to inclement weather, resulting in the cancellation of 250 out of 650 scheduled flights.


Flag carrier Lufthansa advised passengers to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airports.

A low-pressure system named Gertrud was impacting southwestern and central Germany, forecasting up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) of snow and hazardous icy road conditions, especially in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg.

State police in Baden-Wuerttemberg reported an "accumulation of accidents" on roads near Baden-Baden, while national rail company Deutsche Bahn announced a slowdown of its high-speed trains due to slippery conditions. Delays and cancellations were expected in the regional and long-distance network, particularly between the western cities of Cologne and Frankfurt.

In the southwest region of Rhineland-Palatinate, firefighters and first responders prepared for an increase in road accidents and emergencies by mobilizing additional staff and vehicles. They strongly advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel.

Anticipating perilous winter conditions, schools were closed in significant parts of Bavaria, Germany's largest state.