Heavy snowfall has wreaked havoc on the transport systems and roads throughout Berlin and Brandenburg, resulting in numerous accidents and significant delays for commuters. The winter conditions, marked by slippery roads and reduced visibility, began Thursday afternoon and continued well through the night, as local officials scrambled to manage the chaos.
The traffic information center (VIZ) reported, "Die winterlich chaotischen Verhältnisse haben sich in ganz Berlin ausgebreitet," translating to, "The winter chaos has spread throughout Berlin." This assertion rang true as major routes, including the city's Stadtring A100 and A115, faced severe congestion and numerous traffic incidents due to the treacherous weather.
Despite the mounting concern, the Berlin police indicated no significant uptick in the overall number of accidents compared to normal conditions. A police spokesperson noted, "Die Lage war überwiegend ruhig," which translates to, "The situation was mainly calm." Still, traffic on various segments of the city's ring roads was heavily affected, with several minor accidents leading to traffic piles.
Brandenburg police, on the other hand, reported concerns for public safety, mentioning the prevalence of slippery surfaces leading to increased minor accidents. They pleaded with motorists to adjust their speeds accordingly. A spokesperson mentioned, "Jeder sollte seine Geschwindigkeit den Wetterverhältnissen anpassen," advising everyone to adjust their driving speed according to the weather conditions.
Public transport was not spared from disruptions, as the Berlin waste management service (BSR) struggled to keep the roads clear. They conveyed via social media about their winter maintenance efforts, stating, "Wir räumen und streuen die Stadtautobahn und andere wichtige Straßen," meaning, "We clear and treat the city highways and other important streets." This highlights the significant effort being made to maintain safe travel for vehicles and pedestrians.
Meanwhile, some train lines were also affected; reports surfaced about delays due to fallen trees obstructing S-Bahn tracks. One such incident occurred with the lines S1 and S85 when trees fell near Wittenau. The status of whether these incidents were directly tied to the winter conditions remained under investigation.
By Friday morning, snow accumulation was projected to add between two to eight centimeters across various parts of the region. The German Weather Service (DWD) cautioned residents to remain vigilant as warnings for slippery roads continued. The forecast indicated continued snowfall and reduced visibility, with temperatures struggling to rise above freezing.
Authorities urged the public to exercise caution not only for themselves but also for the safety of others on the road. They stressed the importance of keeping emergency lanes clear and driving attentively. Officials from various agencies continued to perform snow-removal operations throughout the day, with the police and BSR coordinating their response to handle the adverse weather conditions effectively.
With the situation still fluid, residents were reminded of the challenges posed by winter weather and the priority of public safety. The expectation of additional snow and ice throughout the weekend means continued care is necessary for all road users. The BSR is prepared, having stockpiled around 13,000 tons of salt and other materials to deal with winter hazards.
The community remains encouraged to stay informed through reliable traffic updates and weather reports, ensuring their safety as winter deeply settles over Berlin and Brandenburg.