The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a storm warning for the weather in Berlin and Brandenburg. Deutsche Bahn has announced severe train disruptions across the country, particularly in northern states.

Storm Zoltan to hit Berlin and Brandenburg on Friday afternoon

Storm Zoltan is expected to cross Berlin and Brandenburg between 1pm and 5pm on Friday, December 22, the DWD has announced, issuing a four-hour weather warning for the region.

Wind speeds are expected to pick up to between 70 and 85 kilometres per hour, blowing in rain and sleet. Winds will calm to 60 km / h as the evening arrives, with temperatures rising to around six degrees celsius. 

Storm Zoltan causes closures and travel disruptions across Germany

High winds in Brandenburg already led Tierpark Cottbus to close its gates on Thursday, with Volkspark Potsdam following suit and announcing that it would close until the morning of December 23. 

Travel will also be disrupted. Deutsche Bahn has announced that transportation across the whole country, but particularly in the northern federal states, will be hit with delays and cancellations on Friday. This includes, but is not limited to, the ICE trains between Berlin and Frankfurt, the EC between Hamburg and Copenhagen, and the ICE / IC between Cologne and Munich. 

Deutsche Bahn has advised passengers to take alternative routes or to travel at a later date, for which they can use their existing ticket. Passengers should expect trains and stations to be very busy thanks to the disruption.

For the full list of trains that will be affected by cancellations and delays check the Deutsche Bahn website.

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