Rooftops are covered by snow in Berlin, capital of Germany, Jan. 9, 2026. Winter Storm Elli swept across large parts of Germany on Friday, killing at least three people and severely disrupting transport, schools and public services, particularly in the country's north. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
BERLIN, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Winter Storm Elli swept across large parts of Germany on Friday, killing at least three people and severely disrupting transport, schools and public services, particularly in the country's north.
Police said the fatalities occurred in weather-related traffic accidents. In the southern state of Bavaria, two people were killed in a head-on collision after a car skidded on snow-covered roads. In a separate incident in Bavaria's Upper Palatinate region, a driver died after his vehicle left the road and crashed into a tree.
The storm caused widespread disruption to rail services, with Deutsche Bahn suspending all long-distance trains in northern Germany over safety concerns. Rail traffic in and around Hanover, a key transport hub, was brought to a complete standstill.
Road travel was also heavily impacted, as stranded trucks blocked several major motorways and authorities warned of extremely hazardous, icy conditions. Ferry services to several North Sea islands were suspended.
Schools were closed across several northern states, while additional closures and a shift to remote learning were reported elsewhere in Germany. ■
A man walks on a snow-covered path in Berlin, capital of Germany, Jan. 9, 2026. Winter Storm Elli swept across large parts of Germany on Friday, killing at least three people and severely disrupting transport, schools and public services, particularly in the country's north. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
A train arrives at the main train station in Berlin, capital of Germany, Jan. 9, 2026. Winter Storm Elli swept across large parts of Germany on Friday, killing at least three people and severely disrupting transport, schools and public services, particularly in the country's north. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
A man rides on the snow-covered bank of the Spree River in Berlin, capital of Germany, Jan. 9, 2026. Winter Storm Elli swept across large parts of Germany on Friday, killing at least three people and severely disrupting transport, schools and public services, particularly in the country's north. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
The banks of the Spree River are covered by snow in Berlin, capital of Germany, Jan. 9, 2026. Winter Storm Elli swept across large parts of Germany on Friday, killing at least three people and severely disrupting transport, schools and public services, particularly in the country's north. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
A frozen river is pictured in Berlin, capital of Germany, Jan. 9, 2026. Winter Storm Elli swept across large parts of Germany on Friday, killing at least three people and severely disrupting transport, schools and public services, particularly in the country's north. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
Trams and other vehicles run on a street in Berlin, capital of Germany, Jan. 9, 2026. Winter Storm Elli swept across large parts of Germany on Friday, killing at least three people and severely disrupting transport, schools and public services, particularly in the country's north. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
