Amidst a winter storm that has swept through southern Germany and affected parts of Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, Munich's airport has experienced a significant disruption in air travel. The airport initially announced a suspension of all flights until noon on Saturday, but this was later extended until 6 a.m. on Sunday. Other airports in the region, including Zurich, also reported delays and cancellations due to adverse weather conditions.
The impact of the storm extended beyond air travel, affecting Germany's national railway services. Train services to and from Munich's central station were halted, leading authorities to advise passengers to reconsider their travel plans or find alternative routes. Some reports indicated that passengers in Munich and the nearby city of Ulm spent the night on trains due to the disruptions.
Local public transportation in Munich faced challenges as well, with buses and trams not operating as of Saturday afternoon, and certain subway and regional train lines also experiencing disruptions. The severe weather conditions led to downed trees, causing power outages for many residents across the state of Bavaria.
In addition to transportation disruptions, the winter storm had broader consequences. A Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and Union Berlin, scheduled for Saturday afternoon in Munich, had to be canceled. Meanwhile, police in Lower Bavaria responded to numerous incidents related to snow and ice, resulting in minor to moderate injuries.
The adverse weather conditions also impacted neighboring countries. Austria and Switzerland raised alarm about the increased risk of avalanches due to new snowfall. In western Austria, provinces like Tyrol and Vorarlberg raised avalanche warnings to the second-highest level. The Austrian railway company reported closures on various stretches of its routes. In the Czech Republic, major roads, including the key D1 highway, faced blockages, and both trains and public transportation experienced delays and cancellations.
The broader consequences of the storm underscored the challenges faced by the affected regions, impacting various modes of transportation, public services, and daily life for residents.
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