Snow chaos at the weekend: Warning of slippery conditions and heavy snowfall!

Snow chaos at the weekend: Warning of slippery conditions and heavy snowfall!

On January 3, 2026, several weather services issued an official warning about wintry road and weather conditions. Loud Celle press They reported the first sleet and sleet showers that fell on Friday. A thin blanket of snow will form overnight, and the German Weather Service expects further snowfall with amounts between 5 and 15 cm during the day. Larger amounts of snow are possible locally, especially at higher altitudes.

The risk of slippery roads is currently enormous, especially on secondary roads, bridges and routes with little traffic. An official ice warning has been in effect since Friday evening, January 2nd, at 6 p.m. until Saturday morning, January 3rd, at 11 a.m. The change in temperature also causes rapid ice formation on roadways and sidewalks, which makes the situation even more difficult.

Dangers on the roads

The red warning level from the Allianz Weather Service shows that there is increased danger. Road users have to expect a thick blanket of snow, slippery roads and limited visibility at times. It is therefore essential to change your driving behavior, plan longer driving times and, if possible, avoid unnecessary journeys.

Proper preparation for winter road conditions is also important. Drivers should check current conditions before driving as slippery roads and reduced visibility can change quickly. Fani Zaneta from the TÜV Association recommends significantly reducing your speed and keeping a greater distance from other vehicles. TÜV Thuringia emphasizes that you should drive without time pressure, especially now, in order to avoid critical situations.

Important tips for driving in winter

Anyone who has to go on the road in these wintry conditions should completely clear their vehicle of ice and snow before driving. Even small viewing holes are not sufficient and can result in fines. ADAC points out that lightning ice is particularly dangerous because it is often difficult to detect and appears suddenly. Rain or fog hitting a frozen road surface can form a slippery layer of ice, especially in shady places like bridges or forests.

The use of winter tires with the Alpine symbol is mandatory in Germany when it is slippery or snowy. Drivers who violate this regulation must expect a fine of at least 60 euros, while traffic disruptions can even result in a fine of 80 euros. If you don't use the right tire or adjust your speed, you not only risk fines, but also insurance problems in the event of an accident. TÜV Thuringia recommends always keeping the tread depth of winter tires at least 4 mm to improve grip.

Now it's time to pay attention, drive carefully and take the winter challenges seriously!