Hamburg Schools Reopen, S-Bahn Still Limited Amidst Icy Conditions
Hamburg, January 12, 2026 – Following a weekend marked by severe frost, schools in Hamburg have reopened for regular classes today. This decision contrasts with Lower Saxony, Bremen, and North Rhine-Westphalia, where schools remain closed due to the inclement weather. However, the city is bracing for potential freezing rain from midday, with temperatures expected to reach as low as minus 16 degrees Celsius in the morning.
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued warnings for severe frost, with temperatures plummeting after winter storm “Elli” receded, making way for low-pressure system “Gunda.” The DWD advises residents to avoid unnecessary car journeys due to the anticipated icy conditions.
Sports Halls Remain Closed, S-Bahn Services Affected
While students are back in classrooms, school sports halls across Hamburg will remain closed throughout the day for safety reasons. This follows Friday’s “snow day,” the first in Hamburg since 2013, during which hundreds of children utilized emergency childcare services offered at schools.
The Hamburg S-Bahn network has not yet returned to full normal operation. The S2 line remains suspended today, and the S5 line will only run every 20 minutes during peak hours. The S-Bahn has warned of potential further short-term restrictions due to the dynamic weather situation.
Deutsche Bahn Restores Services, Faces Criticism
In contrast, Deutsche Bahn expects to avoid major problems today, with approximately two-thirds of its long-distance trains in the north having resumed normal service yesterday. Metronom trains are also operating on all routes, though delays, particularly towards Bremen, are still reported.
Despite the resumption of services, Deutsche Bahn has faced criticism from politicians regarding the slow recovery of long-distance traffic. Christoph Ploß, a CDU Member of the Bundestag for Hamburg, called for an investigation into the “disaster” and urged the railway to ensure that the entire train service does not come to a standstill during future winter weather events. Evelyn Palla, head of Deutsche Bahn, defended the company, stating they are “always optimally prepared” but acknowledged that each weather situation presents “unknowns.”
DWD Warns of Icy Conditions Across Northern Germany
Lower Saxony is expected to be the most severely affected region, with face-to-face classes canceled almost statewide. The DWD continues to warn of widespread icy conditions across northern Germany.
This topic was broadcast on NDR 90.3 as part of “NDR 90.3 Aktuell” on January 12, 2026, at 05:30 AM.
Source: NDR.de
