Sorry, but the date looks wrong. As a "survivor" (:-) of one of the heaviest snowstorms in northern germany at that time, i remember the correct date was from 30th December 1978 until 3rd January 1979. With 70 cm of snow. And again later 13th February 1979 until 18th Febr. 1979. We said "Schneekatastrophe". Footage:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVfN9PAqhPg
Regerds Peter

Hi Captain Ted. Yes was a heavy one. I remember well the problems of the train system... My ship even was only 6 months old ( brand new from Kawasaky Heavy in Kobe,Japan ) was not specially suited for that kind of weather. All the fresh water piping below the superestructure not isolated or with poor isolation against low temps. I´m not to say anything about the gray and black water system (incl. pipes and w.c systems...jajaja...you can imagine...
We were 2 days taking apart piping sections between flanges and removing the ice blocks with hot water from the kitchen. Using the fire hoses to recirculate the water between tanks. The antirolling tanks become recirculating tanks. The all ship was a total mess with hoses all around from valves to sounding pipes, tank air vents pipes and so on...
Was a strong one like you commented and a total mess in the nothern part of the now ex-FRG ( those times, old times...)
Thanks for your comment Captain ted.
MBregards.
ventuari

@Ventuari,, I remember that time and storm. We came up the Elbe river with the MV Freedeburg from Barthold Richters during the heaiest snow and ice storm, went then alongside and tried to travel by train home,,,Hamburd-Brmen by train 1 hr took 16,,the german Bundeswehr cleared the tracks with tanks !!!!