Widespread Disruption in Southern Germany as Heavy Snowfall Halts Air and Rail Traffic in Munich
Following the suspension of flights until noon on Saturday (1100 GMT), Munich Airport extended its closure, now expected to last until 6:00 am (0500 GMT) on Sunday due to severe weather conditions.
The impact has been substantial, affecting a total of 760 flights, as reported by a spokesperson to AFP. Weather services recorded more than 40 centimeters (16 inches) of snowfall overnight from Friday to Saturday, leading to widespread disruptions and challenging conditions.
Winter Weather Disrupts Train Services in Southern Germany; Bayern Munich Football Match Cancelled
The impact of the winter weather extends to train travel, as Deutsche Bahn reports that “The main Munich station cannot be served.”
Travellers are advised to anticipate delays and cancellations across the region, with most buses, trams, and suburban trains in Munich not operational. The scheduled football championship match on Saturday between Bayern Munich and Union Berlin has been canceled.
In Lower Bavaria, police responded to 350 weather-related incidents on Friday night, including five people sustaining minor injuries in car accidents.
A significant portion of Germany continues to experience snowfall and freezing temperatures for several days. Weather forecasts indicate that the heaviest snowfall is anticipated on Saturday in Allgau in the south of Bavaria, with an additional 30 to 40 centimeters expected.
The snowfall is anticipated to gradually diminish in the afternoon.