Heavy snowfall causes chaos in southern Germany as Munich suspends flights | The time of Europe

Heavy snowfall has caused chaos in parts of the south Germanywith air and rail traffic blocked in the Bavarian state capital, Munich.

After first suspending flights until noon Saturday (1100 GMT), Munich airport later said it would remain closed until 6 a.m. Sunday.

A spokesman said 760 flights were affected. More than 40 centimeters (16 inches) of snow fell overnight Friday into Saturday, according to weather services.

Authorities asked residents to stay home for their own safety. The wintry weather also disrupted train traffic, with rail operator Deutsche Bahn saying “Munich's main station cannot be served”. He said travelers should expect delays and cancellations across the region, with most buses, trams and suburban trains not running in Munich.

A football match between Bayern Munich and Union Berlin has been called off.

Police in Lower Bavaria said they made 350 weather-related interventions on Friday night, with five people slightly injured in road crashes.

Much of Germany has been subjected to snow and freezing temperatures for several days. According to weather forecasts, the heaviest amounts of snow are expected in the Allgäu in southern Bavaria on Saturday, with another 30-40cm forecast. It is expected to gradually decrease in the afternoon.