Europe has experienced six reported fatalities and widespread travel disruptions due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions across several countries. The impacts include significant flight cancellations at major airports, disruptions to rail services, and hazardous road conditions. Authorities have issued weather alerts and advised caution as conditions are projected to continue.
Fatalities Reported
Six weather-related fatalities have been reported across Europe. Five deaths occurred in France due to hazardous road conditions. Three individuals died in Landes, southwestern France, attributed to black ice. In the Paris region, two additional deaths resulted from separate motor accidents: one involved a collision between a vehicle and a heavy goods vehicle, and another involved a taxi hitting a curb and subsequently entering the Marne river. In Sarajevo, Bosnia, one woman died after a tree, laden with snow, fell on her.
Travel Disruptions
Air Travel:
Hundreds of flights have been cancelled across European airports, resulting in thousands of passengers experiencing delays or being stranded.
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: Over 400 flights were cancelled on Wednesday, with one report indicating over 700 cancellations. Dutch national airline KLM reported an "exceptional situation" at the airport due to freezing conditions and a near depletion of de-icing fluid. More than 1,000 travelers spent the night at the airport, where provisions such as beds, food, and drinks were supplied. Further delays and cancellations are anticipated.
- Paris Airports: France's civil aviation authority requested airlines to reduce scheduled flights.
- Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport planned to cancel 40% of its flights for several hours on Wednesday morning to facilitate snow clearance. Over 100 flights were cancelled.
- Orly airport anticipated cancelling 25% of its flights during the same timeframe, with 40 cancellations reported.
- Other Airports: Dozens of flights were also delayed or cancelled at Heathrow and Brussels airports.
Ground Travel:
Rail and road transport services have been significantly affected.
- Rail Services: Numerous train services were cancelled in parts of France. Eurostar rail services between London and Paris also experienced delays and cancellations on Wednesday.
- Road Transport: Road transport, including haulage, was impacted. Almost half of mainland France was placed on alert for heavy snow and black ice, leading to restrictions, including lorry bans, in certain areas.
Weather Conditions and Official Responses
The affected regions experienced heavy snowfall and ice. Sarajevo, Bosnia's capital, received approximately 40 centimeters (16 inches) of snow.
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot advised minimizing road travel and encouraged remote work due to expected additional snowfall. France's national weather service issued an orange alert for snow and black ice for 38 districts on Wednesday, indicating hazardous conditions.