It will be stormy throughout Hesse. Also for Frankfurt, the German Weather Service has announced gale-force winds of 10 to 12 for Thursday, February 17. This can lead to dangerous situations due to broken branches and falling trees. Therefore, walks in the city forest, parks and other green areas should be avoided. Cemetery visits should also be postponed to other days if possible.
In addition, the Palmengarten management has decided to keep the garden closed on Thursday to protect visitors. In the course of the day, it will then be decided whether the garden can be reopened to the public on Friday.
The zoo will also remain closed all day on Thursday due to the current severe weather warning for Frankfurt. Provided that the weather situation normalizes again, however, the zoo will open its doors to visitors as early as Friday, February 18, on a regular basis.
Rules for schools
Generally, the state of Hesse adheres to classroom instruction. In extreme weather conditions such as those announced for Thursday (and possibly Friday), guardians generally decide in the morning whether the route to school is reasonable and safe for their children. Pupils of full age decide this for themselves. In the event of absence, the school must be informed by the usual means of communication. Parents should therefore constantly inform themselves about the current road and weather conditions and then make a balanced decision.
If the safety of the school route can no longer be guaranteed, the Hessian Ministry of Education also supports all school administrations in their decision, if possible in consultation with the school authorities to cancel the presence school on Thursday or Friday. Such a decision will be communicated to parents via the agreed-upon local communication channels. If possible, schools will then provide alternative digital instruction.
If the severe weather creates an immediate hazard in the school building or on school grounds (e.g. by falling trees, severe damage to the building), the school board (city, county) would undertake any school closure.
