Status: 11/29/2021 4:38 p.m.
The onset of winter in parts of Germany has caused many car accidents. In addition to parts of North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate are also affected. The German Weather Service warns of further snowfalls.
With the onset of snowfall, several traffic accidents occurred in the Sauerland. “It’s cracking all the time,” reported the police in the Märkischer Kreis via Twitter. A spokesman said there were almost 50 traffic accidents, largely due to weather conditions. There were some people who were slightly injured. From other parts of North Rhine-Westphalia it was said that the situation was calm.
It started snowing around 9 a.m., and it has rattled continuously since then, reported the police spokesman in the Märkischer Kreis. The colleagues are on duty non-stop. Especially in the higher elevations, the snow remains.
Several accidents in Baden-Württemberg
There was also snowfall in the Stuttgart area. Cars started to slide as a result. A spokesman for the situation center told the SWR that there were some accidents with sheet metal damage due to slippery snow and ice. Serious accidents did not occur, but three occupants were slightly injured.
Several accidents also occurred in the Heidenheim district due to the wintry road conditions. According to the police, two vehicles caught fire after an accident. The lane in the direction of Kempten was closed.
Still wet and cold weather
As the German Weather Service (DWD) reports, it should continue this week. In addition to rain and snow, there is also a threat of stormy winds. The weather service expects temperatures of a maximum of five degrees. At night it can be slippery on the snowy and rainy roads. For this reason, caution is still required, especially for drivers.
France also affected
The sudden onset of winter also surprised many motorists in France. Dozens of cars have been stranded in the snow on a motorway in France.
People had to spend the night in emergency shelters. A total of almost 200 stranded travelers were accommodated in community halls. According to the police, some vehicles, including trucks, are said to have been traveling without winter equipment.