Intense snowfall and icy weather conditions have caused widespread travel disruption across Europe, resulting in six reported deaths from weather-related incidents on the continent.
Authorities in France reported that five individuals died due to treacherous driving conditions, while one woman was killed in Sarajevo, Bosnia, after significant snowfall blanketed the city.
As a consequence of the storm, hundreds of flights have been canceled across Europe, leaving thousands stranded at major airports in Paris and Amsterdam. Travel disruptions are expected to continue into the following days.
In southwestern France, three individuals lost their lives due to black ice incidents, while two additional fatalities occurred in motor accidents in the Paris region. One involved a collision with a heavy goods vehicle, and another unfolded as a taxi plunged into the Marne river due to poor weather conditions.
Meanwhile, a tragic incident in Sarajevo occurred when a tree, weighed down by wet snow, fell onto a woman, leading to her death. French officials indicate that further snow is anticipated in the coming days, prompting authorities to advise minimal travel and encourage remote work where possible.
In light of the severe conditions, France's national weather service issued orange alerts for 38 districts, particularly concerning snow and black ice. Notably, Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris planned to cancel up to 40% of its flights to allow snow clearance on runways, while Orly airport also anticipated significant flight cancellations.
Amsterdam's Schiphol airport experienced even more drastic measures, with over 400 flights canceled and many travelers left unable to board connecting flights. Long queues formed as passengers awaited information about their travel plans, with complaints about the chaotic situation flooding in.
Many of the canceled flights were by Dutch airline KLM, which cited a lack of de-icing fluid due to extreme weather conditions. At the same time, rail travel in the Netherlands was disrupted by an IT outage affecting train services, leading to widespread cancellations.
In the face of these challenges, authorities remain vigilant as they prepare for more adverse weather, urging the public to prioritize safety and stay informed.
