Berlin’s icy morning brings travel chaos and hidden water dangers
Berlin faced widespread travel chaos on Monday morning as freezing temperatures left roads, tram lines, and subway tracks coated in black ice. The German Weather Service (DWD) had warned of hazardous conditions, with a mix of light snow and rain freezing overnight. Despite the dangers, the city’s emergency services reported only a modest rise in accidents.
The icy conditions disrupted public transport across the capital. Overhead lines on several tram routes froze, causing delays, while above-ground sections of the U2 and U3 subway lines saw temporary stoppages due to ice on the power rails. BVG buses also struggled, with some route sections closed until crews could clear the ice. A specialised BVG train was brought in to remove frozen layers from the tracks, and the Tiergarten Tunnel required extra attention because of its steep slope.
On the roads, black ice turned many streets into hazards, forcing drivers to slow down or come to a standstill. Between nightfall and 11 a.m., police received 125 accident reports—up from 99 during the same period the previous week. Yet, despite the slippery conditions, the increase in incidents remained lower than expected. Authorities also issued urgent warnings about frozen lakes and waterways. As temperatures began to climb, the ice covering lakes and ponds rapidly weakened, raising the risk of drowning. Areas near shorelines and fast-moving currents were flagged as particularly dangerous. Parents were advised to keep a close watch on children near water and to alert others about the hazards.
The cold snap left Berlin’s transport network struggling, though the number of accidents stayed relatively contained. With temperatures now rising, the focus has shifted to the dangers of thinning ice on lakes and rivers. Residents are being reminded to stay off frozen water and to exercise caution near slippery surfaces as the thaw continues.
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