Slippery start to school in Hesse: storms and black ice cause chaos!

Slippery start to school in Hesse: storms and black ice cause chaos!

In Hesse, there is a risk of a frosty start to school for students on Monday, January 12, 2026. Classes are supposed to start, but the weather conditions make the way to school a danger zone. The Ministry of Culture, Education and Opportunity has called on parents to carefully examine their children's route to school, as a significant need for school cancellations has already been identified. As op-online reports, parents can decide for themselves whether they want to send their children to school. The decision about possible school closures ultimately rests with the school management.

The warnings should not be underestimated: Heavy freezing rain and the risk of black ice were announced by the German Weather Service (DWD) for the entire day. Precipitation had already arrived overnight, bringing both snow and freezing rain. This weather situation has already led to several reports of accidents on the roads, as FFH reports. In addition, school closures are expected in many regions, not only in Hesse, but also in neighboring federal states such as North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony.

Weather conditions and traffic restrictions

In several districts, including the Main-Taunus district, the Lahn-Dill district and the Rheingau-Taunus district, there were weather-related restrictions on bus traffic. RMV passengers must expect delays and cancellations. At Frankfurt Airport, 98 of 1,052 planned flights have already been canceled and passengers are asked to allow sufficient time for the journey, reports [Tagesschau.de/inland/regional/hessen/hr-winter-wetter-in-hessen-glatteis-ab-freitag-am-sonntag-winterwunderland-100.html).

Particularly in the northern and eastern parts of Hesse, the DWD warns of a “danger to life and limb” due to freezing water. The weather conditions could lead to further traffic problems. While the first weather-related accidents and injuries were recorded in northern Hesse, clinics in Frankfurt and the surrounding area have noticed an increased number of patients. The number of injuries in the employers' liability insurance association accident clinics has increased by 40 percent, particularly from falls.

School closures and alternatives

Pupils at many schools, including in Gelnhausen and Bad Nauheim, have to forego face-to-face lessons on Monday. While the ministry does not expect a nationwide cancellation of face-to-face teaching, the school management decides on the organization of lessons based on the safety of routes to school. Classes are expected to start regularly in the Werra-Meißner district and other areas.

For parents who have to resort to emergency care, information about possible school cancellations and local transport connections is of great importance. The warning is rounded off by asking drivers to avoid urgent journeys and to prepare for the difficult road conditions.

In summary, the weather in Hesse next Monday will be tense and could have far-reaching consequences for the everyday lives of citizens. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions!