Global General

Heavy snow brings travel chaos in Europe

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-01-10 16:39

Heavy snow brings travel chaos in Europe

A man looks at his car that has fallen into a ditch in the snow as winter weather continues to hit France, near Le Monastier sur Gazeille, central France, January 9, 2010. [Agencies]

LONDON: Snow and freezing weather swept parts of Europe on Saturday causing travel chaos for thousands and forecasters predicted no let-up in Britain's harshest cold snap in 30 years.

Rail and air travel were disrupted in Britain, France and Germany. Eurostar, the rail service linking England and France, said it was running around two-thirds of its normal Saturday service from London.

A spokeswoman for the train operator encouraged people not to travel unless the trip was essential.

Forecasters in Britain said icy winds from northern Europe meant the big freeze felt even colder after temperatures fell overnight to minus 14 celsius (7 F) and even lower in some parts of the country.

The Met Office said up to 20 cm (8 in) of snow could fall over the next 24 hours, with the southeast of the country hardest hit.

"Drifting in the very strong winds will cause even greater accumulations in places," it warned.

Temperatures looked set to remain below freezing, with some rural spots not getting above minus 10 degrees even by midday.

Lanes were closed on motorways as a rationing of grit meant hard shoulders were not treated. The government has ordered fresh supplies of salt from abroad but they were not expected to be delivered until January 22.

British Airways cancelled 50 flights from London's Heathrow Airport, while nine Easyjet flights were cancelled to and from British airports including Gatwick and Luton.

Many sports events, including football matches, racing and rugby fixtures, were cancelled because of the weather.

Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that despite the severe cold snap, supplies of gas for heating would not run out, although about 100 industrial customers have been ordered to cut back usage.

Travel Chaos in Germany, France

Heavy snow storms in Germany caused widespread travel disruptions, with scores of flights cancelled at the country's biggest airport and delays to road traffic heading to neighbouring France.