Heavy snowfall causes chaos in Germany, Munich Airport closes
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Berlin: A wave of heavy snowfall struck southern Germany, leading to widespread disruption in the region, specifically affecting Bavaria and causing significant travel disturbances in Munich.
The adverse weather conditions compelled authorities to shut down Munich Airport and halt rail services, impacting both domestic and international travel.
"More than 40 centimetres (16 inches) of snow fell overnight Friday to Saturday," reported weather services, contributing to the chaos and prompting the suspension of operations at Munich Airport. Initially, flights were suspended until noon on Saturday, but subsequently, airport authorities extended the closure until 6:00 am on Sunday to manage the aftermath of the heavy snow.
The closure severely affected air travel, with approximately 760 flights impacted by the weather-induced shutdown, reported AFP. Consequently, passengers faced considerable inconvenience and delays due to the airport's closure.
Amid the snowfall, authorities issued safety warnings, urging residents to remain indoors to ensure their safety in light of the challenging weather conditions.
The impact of the snowfall extended beyond air travel, causing disruptions in train services operated by Deutsche Bahn. "The main Munich station cannot be served," stated Deutsche Bahn, signalling widespread disruptions and cancellations across the region. Public transportation within Munich, including buses, trams, and suburban trains, also experienced suspensions and delays.
Furthermore, the adverse weather conditions prompted the cancellation of a highly anticipated football championship match between Bayern Munich and Union Berlin, adding to the disruptions caused by the heavy snowfall.
The inclement weather also led to numerous weather-related incidents, with Lower Bavaria's police reporting 350 interventions linked to the weather, including car accidents that resulted in five individuals sustaining minor injuries.
The southern part of Bavaria, particularly Allgau, was predicted to receive the largest accumulation of snow, expecting an additional 30 to 40 centimetres on Saturday. However, weather forecasts indicated a gradual easing of the snowfall by the afternoon, offering a potential respite from the severe conditions.
The relentless snow and freezing temperatures have persisted across much of Germany for several days, exacerbating travel challenges and prompting authorities to issue cautionary advisories to the public.