Heavy snow and freezing rain swept across Europe on Sunday, causing significant disruptions to transport systems, particularly in Germany. Airports and roadways faced delays and cancellations due to the harsh conditions.
Flight Cancellations at Frankfurt and Munich Airports
Frankfurt Airport cancelled 120 of its 1,090 scheduled flights on Sunday due to runway clearance operations and poor visibility. A spokesperson for Fraport, the airport operator, confirmed that reduced flight capacity forced these cancellations.
Munich Airport also struggled to maintain operations, with only one runway open while crews worked to clear snow from the other. On Saturday, 35 flights were cancelled as a precaution, while around 750 flights were rescheduled for Sunday, according to a Munich Airport representative. Stuttgart Airport faced additional delays as de-icing processes took longer due to the extreme cold.
Meanwhile, Cologne saw up to 10 centimetres of fresh snow overnight, which contributed to further disruptions.
Dangerous Road Conditions Lead to Increased Accidents
The snowy and icy conditions caused a surge in traffic accidents across Germany. Authorities linked many incidents to drivers using summer tyres on snow-covered roads. The German weather service issued black ice warnings and urged people to avoid unnecessary travel.
UK and Ireland Hit by Severe Weather
In the UK, the extreme winter weather left key roads in northern England and Wales impassable, while several major airports suspended flights. Some sporting events were also postponed due to the hazardous conditions. The UK’s Met Office issued eight weather warnings across the country.
In Ireland, overnight snowfalls led to widespread power outages, affecting up to 30,000 homes and businesses. Authorities issued two weather alerts for affected areas, cautioning residents about dangerous travel conditions.
Authorities Advise Caution
As extreme winter conditions continue to disrupt daily life across Europe, officials are urging residents to stay home and exercise caution when traveling.