Snow and ice cause traffic chaos
Heavy snow and black ice caused traffic chaos across Germany on Wednesday morning, meanwhile more winter weather was expected throughout the day.
Snow storms in the lower mountain range of the Rhineland region, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Taunus region in the state of Hesse brought traffic to a standstill during the morning commute. The sanitary department had been out in full force ploughing snow and salting streets, police said, adding that they still expected delays in heavy traffic areas.
More than 15 traffic accidents occurred before 7 am Wednesday morning due to icy conditions in the Sauerland region in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, police reported. Meanwhile a thick layer of snow brought traffic on the A3 motorway in the state of Hesse to a sudden halt for more than 15 kilometres, blocking snow ploughs from clearing the roads, police in Wiesbaden reported.
In the north, below freezing temperatures created ice on wet roads that led to several pile-ups.
Rain and snow are expected to spread from the west of the country, with snow expected above 200 to 300 metres of altitude. Eastern states will get their first taste of the storm in the evening, though southeastern states will be treated to dry and sunny weather, weather service Meteomedia reported.
Slushy weather will continue in the west and southwest on Thursday and Friday, though a strong southerly wind is expected to increase temperatures to a high of 6 degrees Celsius in the south.
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Snow storms in the lower mountain range of the Rhineland region, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Taunus region in the state of Hesse brought traffic to a standstill during the morning commute. The sanitary department had been out in full force ploughing snow and salting streets, police said, adding that they still expected delays in heavy traffic areas.
More than 15 traffic accidents occurred before 7 am Wednesday morning due to icy conditions in the Sauerland region in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, police reported. Meanwhile a thick layer of snow brought traffic on the A3 motorway in the state of Hesse to a sudden halt for more than 15 kilometres, blocking snow ploughs from clearing the roads, police in Wiesbaden reported.
In the north, below freezing temperatures created ice on wet roads that led to several pile-ups.
Rain and snow are expected to spread from the west of the country, with snow expected above 200 to 300 metres of altitude. Eastern states will get their first taste of the storm in the evening, though southeastern states will be treated to dry and sunny weather, weather service Meteomedia reported.
Slushy weather will continue in the west and southwest on Thursday and Friday, though a strong southerly wind is expected to increase temperatures to a high of 6 degrees Celsius in the south.
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