Germany is bracing for more heavy snowfall as Storm Goretti hits northern Europe, bringing with it strong winds and freezing temperatures that could plunge as low as -20C in certain areas. The storm front, dubbed Elli by Germans, is expected to bring significant disruptions across the country, particularly in the north where at least 15cm of fresh snowfall was forecast.
Regional train services were suspended across north-west France on Friday morning, with disruptions expected to last until late afternoon, although high-speed TGV rail services were operating and no serious flight delays were reported. Schools remained shut in the affected regions, while weather alerts were issued in 30 other areas.
Meanwhile, Germany's national weather service DWD warned of ice and snowdrifts making many roads impassable, prompting authorities to deploy over 700 sanitation workers to clear streets in Hamburg. In the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein, where at least 15cm of fresh snowfall was expected, schools were closed and residents were advised to stay indoors.
However, not everyone is bracing for severe weather conditions. Berlin and surrounding Brandenburg state are likely to be spared the worst of the storm, with authorities calling off a previous warning, saying there was "no danger to life and limb". The city's residents can expect a relatively calm day ahead, but temperatures are still expected to drop below freezing.
Despite these predictions, motorists are being advised to fill up their tanks and prepare for possible disruptions, while drivers were warned not to take unnecessary risks. And with the storm forecast to bring significant disruptions across northern Europe, it's clear that many residents are preparing to hunker down and ride out the severe weather conditions.
Regional train services were suspended across north-west France on Friday morning, with disruptions expected to last until late afternoon, although high-speed TGV rail services were operating and no serious flight delays were reported. Schools remained shut in the affected regions, while weather alerts were issued in 30 other areas.
Meanwhile, Germany's national weather service DWD warned of ice and snowdrifts making many roads impassable, prompting authorities to deploy over 700 sanitation workers to clear streets in Hamburg. In the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein, where at least 15cm of fresh snowfall was expected, schools were closed and residents were advised to stay indoors.
However, not everyone is bracing for severe weather conditions. Berlin and surrounding Brandenburg state are likely to be spared the worst of the storm, with authorities calling off a previous warning, saying there was "no danger to life and limb". The city's residents can expect a relatively calm day ahead, but temperatures are still expected to drop below freezing.
Despite these predictions, motorists are being advised to fill up their tanks and prepare for possible disruptions, while drivers were warned not to take unnecessary risks. And with the storm forecast to bring significant disruptions across northern Europe, it's clear that many residents are preparing to hunker down and ride out the severe weather conditions.