Berlin is facing dangerously slippery conditions after freezing rain created widespread black ice, prompting transport disruptions across the city and warnings from authorities to exercise extreme caution. Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians have been urged to slow down and avoid unnecessary journeys as conditions remain hazardous.
According to an official severe weather warning from the German Weather Service (DWD), there was a high risk of black ice overnight, classified as warning level three out of four. Rain and wet surfaces were expected to freeze suddenly, posing what the DWD described as a serious danger to life and limb. By morning, the warning was downgraded for most regions, though the DWD continued to caution about extreme slipperiness in the far north-east of Germany, including northern Brandenburg.
Trams suspended across the city
Icy conditions have significantly affected public transport in the capital. According to the Traffic Information Centre (VIZ), tram services are currently suspended throughout Berlin due to ice forming on overhead power lines. The Berlin Transport Authority (BVG) has advised passengers to use the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and buses where possible.
However, disruptions have also been reported on underground lines. The BVG said the U2 line is suspended between Alexanderplatz and Pankow, while the U3 is not running between Breitenbachplatz and Krumme Lanke. Bus services are largely operating as normal, though delays remain possible because of slippery road conditions.
Road closures and rail disruptions
For drivers, conditions are equally challenging. The southern section of the A100 city motorway between Grenzallee and Buschkrugallee has been closed in both directions due to ice, according to the VIZ.
There are also disruptions on Berlin’s Ringbahn. S-Bahn lines S41 and S42 are currently interrupted between Südkreuz and Hermannstraße due to track damage. A railway spokesperson said this disruption is not weather-related, adding that there are currently no known weather-related restrictions affecting the wider S-Bahn network.
Police urge caution, avoid cycling
Berlin police say no major accidents have been reported so far, but they warn that risks could increase as rush hour traffic builds. Together with Berliner Stadtreinigung (BSR), authorities have issued urgent warnings about extremely slippery conditions.
BSR said its winter services are gritting major routes, including some cycle lanes, but heavy rain has already washed away parts of the wet salt. No de-icing agents are being applied on many side streets, pavements, or cycle paths, leaving these areas particularly dangerous. Police have urged drivers to increase following distances, drive slowly, and avoid unnecessary trips. Cycling, they said, should be avoided altogether under current conditions.
Limited impact on flights at BER
At Berlin’s Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), flight operations are largely continuing as normal. According to an airport spokesperson, take-offs and landings are currently being handled using only one of the airport’s two runways as a precaution. There have been isolated flight cancellations, but no major disruptions reported so far.
