Severe winter weather brought heavy snow and freezing rain to Europe on Sunday, causing widespread disruptions, particularly in Germany. Major transport delays affected airports and roads across the country.
Flights Cancelled at Major German Airports
Frankfurt Airport cancelled 120 of its 1,090 planned takeoffs and landings on Sunday. Runway clearance and low visibility significantly limited the airport’s flight capacity, according to Fraport, the airport operator. Munich Airport also faced restrictions, with only one runway operational while the other underwent snow clearance.
A spokesperson for Munich Airport stated that 35 flights had been cancelled on Saturday as a precaution, and around 750 were rescheduled for Sunday. In Stuttgart, airport officials reported delays due to prolonged de-icing operations. Meanwhile, Cologne saw up to 10 centimetres of fresh snow overnight, compounding disruptions.
Dangerous Road Conditions and Warnings
The extreme weather led to numerous traffic accidents, with icy roads making driving hazardous. Authorities reported many incidents involving drivers using summer tyres on snow-covered roads. Germany’s weather service issued black ice warnings and urged residents to stay home if possible.
Widespread Disruptions Across the UK and Ireland
In the UK, heavy snow disrupted transport in northern England and Wales, leaving key roads impassable. Several airports suspended flights, and some sporting events were postponed. The UK’s Met Office issued eight weather warnings.
In Ireland, authorities issued two alerts after overnight snowfalls caused major disruptions. Local media reported that up to 30,000 homes and businesses experienced power outages due to the adverse weather.
Authorities Urge Caution
As extreme winter conditions persist, officials in affected regions continue to advise caution and emphasize the importance of staying home unless travel is absolutely necessary.