1. Overview of the situation
On Friday, 23 January 2026, extreme ice from freezing rain and freezing precipitation has forced schools to cancel in-person classes in parts of Lower Saxony and affected regional reporting for Bremen. Because safe student transport cannot be guaranteed, several districts in western Lower Saxony — including Osnabrück, Emsland, Vechta and Grafschaft Bentheim — and the city of Osnabrück have suspended face-to-face lessons at general education schools. Vocational and other berufsbildende schools are largely switching to distance learning, while supervision for students who do arrive at school is being provided.
2. Areas and schools affected
Local authorities announced targeted measures for affected areas to keep students and staff safe. The decisions focus on the inability to guarantee safe bus and car transport under the extreme ice conditions.
| Area | General education schools | Vocational schools | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osnabrück district | In-person classes cancelled | Mostly switched to distance learning | Student supervision for arriving pupils is secured |
| City of Osnabrück | In-person classes cancelled | Distance learning where possible | Local transport not guaranteed |
| Emsland | In-person classes cancelled | Distance learning largely in effect | Authorities advise staying home |
| Vechta | In-person classes cancelled | Distance learning largely in effect | Follow local school messages |
| Grafschaft Bentheim | In-person classes cancelled | Distance learning largely in effect | Roads reported hazardous |
| Measures announced for Friday, 23 January 2026. Check local school communications for updates. | |||
3. Safety and transport
The German Weather Service (DWD) warned of catastrophic road conditions due to ice and freezing rain, with reports of hundreds of accidents. Police spokespeople described the situation as “katastrophal” and “brandgefährlich” and advised people to stay at home where possible.
- Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary — roads are hazardous under extreme ice.
- Assume that student transport (buses and taxis) may not run or may be delayed.
- If you must go out, use extreme caution: slow speeds, larger distances, and winter footwear.
- Do not attempt to walk on untreated icy surfaces if you can stay indoors safely.
- Follow police and weather service warnings and the instructions from your local school.
What the authorities say
Practical safety steps
4. Guidance for parents, students and schools
Schools and families should focus on clear communication and practical preparation for a day of cancelled in-person lessons and increased reliance on remote options. The priority is safety for pupils and staff while keeping learning going where possible.
- Check your school’s official channels (messages from the school or district) for the latest instructions about presence or distance learning.
- Prepare devices and login details for distance learning in case your school switches to online lessons.
- Confirm whether your child’s school offers supervised care for students who must still come in.
- Keep contact numbers and emergency contacts handy in case you need to reach the school or transport services.
- Keep phones charged and monitor weather and police updates throughout the day.
5. Weather outlook and next updates
While some sources suggest the situation may ease later, the DWD and police stress current conditions are dangerous. Monitor local updates from schools, the DWD and police for any changes to school operations or advice about travel and safety.
6. Quick summary
Extreme ice and freezing rain on 23 January 2026 led to school closures for in-person teaching in several western Lower Saxony districts and the city of Osnabrück, with vocational schools moving largely to distance learning. Authorities describe roads as catastrophic and advise staying home. Parents should follow school communications, prepare for remote lessons, and prioritize safety.
