Heavy snowfall in Poland caused major disruptions on the S7 motorway, leaving drivers stranded in tailbacks stretching up to 20 kilometres between Warsaw and the Baltic port city of Gdansk overnight. Police said hundreds of people were trapped in freezing conditions as traffic came to a near standstill during the storm.
Authorities reported that the situation began around 4 p.m. when trucks traveling on the S7 started struggling to climb icy slopes, triggering a long chain reaction of stalled vehicles and worsening congestion. By early Wednesday morning, police confirmed that traffic was gradually moving again, easing the dangerous conditions.
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Tomasz Markowski, police spokesperson in Olsztyn, said officers coordinated efforts to help drivers affected by the storm, while local authorities provided hot beverages and refreshments to those stuck in their cars during the long night. Ostroda City Hall assisted by preparing coffee and tea to support stranded motorists on the highway.
Deputy Infrastructure Minister Stanislaw Bukowiec confirmed that despite the lengthy delays and challenging conditions, no injuries were reported, emphasizing that road crews and emergency services had worked continuously to clear the snow and restore traffic flow.
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The extreme weather also affected other modes of transportation, with state news agency PAP reporting temporary disruptions to railways and airports, though most services were returning to normal as snow clearance continued across the country.
Officials warned drivers to remain cautious as winter storms are expected to persist in northern Poland, advising motorists to prepare for icy roads, slow traffic, and potential delays while authorities continue emergency operations.