A severe cold snap is causing widespread disruption across Europe, with at least six deaths reported due to weather-related incidents. Heavy snow, freezing rain, and plummeting temperatures are impacting travel and infrastructure from the Balkans to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, creating hazardous conditions and prompting authorities to urge caution. The extreme weather began Monday and is forecast to continue throughout the week.
The most significant impacts are being felt across Western and Central Europe. France has reported five fatalities linked to icy roads, while Bosnia recorded one death after a tree fell due to heavy snowfall. Meanwhile, significant travel disruptions are unfolding in the Netherlands and the UK, with hundreds of flights cancelled and rail services severely impacted.
Europe Braces for Continued Cold Snap
The Netherlands is experiencing particularly acute travel problems. Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport grounded approximately 600 flights on Tuesday as crews worked to clear runways. KLM, the Dutch airline, is facing a shortage of de-icing fluid, a problem shared by airports across the continent. Rail travel within the Netherlands was also disrupted by frozen points and a software glitch, though limited services have resumed. Authorities are advising commuters to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Impact on Transportation
Beyond the Netherlands, the UK is battling sub-zero temperatures, with some areas reaching -12.5 degrees Celsius overnight. Snowfall has led to school closures, cancelled sporting events, and a power outage that shut down Glasgow’s metro system. In Scotland, some communities are already isolated by previous snowfalls, and calls are growing for military assistance to deliver essential supplies. Similar disruptions are occurring across the rail network, with delays and cancellations reported nationwide.
In contrast, Rome is grappling with a different challenge: persistent rainfall. Weeks of wet weather have caused the Tiber River to overflow, impacting Pope Francis’ Epiphany celebrations and prompting the city’s mayor to restrict access to parks and flood-prone areas. However, snowfall has been reported in northern Italy, offering a boost to the ski season in the Dolomites.
Balkan Region Faces Flooding and Power Outages
The Balkan region is experiencing a mix of heavy snow and rain, leading to swollen rivers and disruptions to power and water supplies. Serbia has declared emergency measures in some western municipalities. In Bosnia, treacherous black ice has made roads impassable, and strong winds and stormy seas are battering the Adriatic coastline in Croatia and Montenegro. Footage from Montenegro shows coastal cottages being inundated by waves.
The current winter weather is being attributed to a polar air mass moving across Europe. Meteorologists predict that the freezing conditions will persist for several days, with further snowfall expected in many areas. The ongoing extreme temperatures are placing a strain on infrastructure and emergency services.
The situation remains fluid, and travelers are urged to check for the latest updates from airlines, rail operators, and local authorities before embarking on journeys. Monitoring weather forecasts and heeding safety advice will be crucial as Europe continues to navigate this prolonged period of freezing weather. Stay informed about local conditions and plan accordingly to minimize risks during this challenging period.
