COLOGNE 

Heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and strong winds that have gripped Germany since the beginning of the week are continuing to disrupt daily life, particularly affecting transportation and causing accidents on Friday.

The German Meteorological Service warned that the severe weather conditions, known as the “Storm Elli,” are expected to intensify over the weekend, with temperatures in some regions forecast to drop as low as minus 17 degrees Celsius.

In a statement, German Railways said all rail services in the Hanover region have been suspended until at least midday Friday due to the adverse weather.

The company noted that because the disruption affects a major rail corridor, long-distance services in northern Germany are currently not possible, including routes between Berlin–North Rhine-Westphalia and Berlin–Hamburg.

Disruptions to local public transport were also reported, with urban transportation partially or completely suspended in certain areas.

Due to Storm Elli, train passengers in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg were warned to expect delays and cancellations until Saturday.

In Bavaria, a 52-year-old driver died after losing control of his vehicle on a slippery bend.

Near Ziesar on the A2 motorway, a car skidded on the icy road, hit the barriers and then collided with a truck, leaving three people in the car seriously injured.

The motorway towards Berlin was closed for several hours after 500 liters of diesel fuel from the vehicle spilled onto the road.

Significant traffic disruptions were also reported across the motorway network in the Braunschweig region after trucks blocked roads.

Police have warned drivers to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.