Attention, slippery roads and icicles: fire brigade operations in the north!

Attention, slippery roads and icicles: fire brigade operations in the north!

The weather in the northern regions of Germany, especially in Hamburg and the surrounding area, is currently extremely changeable. While there is a thaw during the day, there is a risk of renewed ice at night due to freezing moisture. This means that passers-by have to be careful because the emergency services have been warned: the fire department has already pointed out the dangers of roof avalanches and falling icicles. So be careful when walking under the roofs, which are currently lined with icicles that can be dangerous for pedestrians and parked cars. [NDR] reports that the fire brigade had to be called out due to flooding in apartments and basements.

A look at the streets: In Hamburg, meltwater often cannot drain away because gutters and drains are either frozen or blocked. This leads to potential water levels on the banks of Lower Saxony's rivers, even if flooding is not currently expected. Nevertheless, the situation remains tense: The Volksparkstadion was temporarily closed due to static risks, which has already led to the cancellation of the game between HSV and Bayer 04 Leverkusen. It is still unclear when the game against Borussia Mönchengladbach will be rescheduled.

Safety measures and icicle problems

Icicles that form on roofs and gutters pose a serious hazard. Not only can they cause injury if they fall, but they also cause damage to parked vehicles. The blocked gutters also lead to water backups and possible consequential damage to facades and masonry. [Mainlike] explains that preventative measures, such as installing gutter heaters, are useful to minimize these risks.

The heaters keep the gutters free of meltwater that would otherwise freeze in cold places. Regular cleaning of the gutter is also essential to remove deposits. Not only can this prevent future icicle formation, but it can also help water drain away easily. Craftsmen can install such heaters subsequently and thus counteract the dangers of icicles and frost damage.

Current weather conditions and recommendations

The temperatures could slip into the minus range again at night, especially in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The weather service predicts changeable conditions, with some clouds with occasional rain and long periods of sunshine possible. [Hausjournal] emphasizes that, especially in snowy areas, it makes sense to use additional measures such as snow guard systems to relieve the load on the roof and minimize further risks.

Overall, the situation in the northern regions remains tense and it is advisable to pay particular attention to rising water levels and the dangers of icicles, both when walking and driving. Stay safe and prevent additional damage by taking appropriate measures!