Snow and ice cause widespread disruption throughout Europe, leading to fatal incidents and major travel disturbances

Severe Winter Weather Grips Europe

Large parts of Europe faced hazardous winter conditions on Tuesday, as snow, ice, and freezing temperatures led to dangerous roads and significant disruptions. In France, at least five people lost their lives due to weather-related accidents, and hundreds of flights were canceled at major airports across the continent.

France: Fatal Accidents and Travel Chaos

Authorities in the Les Landes area of southwestern France reported three fatalities from traffic incidents, while two more deaths occurred in the Paris region. Heavy snowfall around Paris forced officials to ban trucks from the roads, resulting in extensive traffic jams on Monday.

On Tuesday, Paris awoke under a layer of snow, transforming the city’s iconic rooftops and landmarks. Many children enjoyed an unexpected day off as schools closed, but air travelers faced frustration as six airports in northern and western France were shut down due to the weather.

Netherlands: Flight Cancellations and Rail Disruptions

Snowfall in the Netherlands brought Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport to a standstill, with around 400 flights grounded while crews worked to clear runways and de-ice aircraft. Hundreds of flights had already been canceled the previous day, and more snow was expected throughout the week.

Travel to and from Schiphol was further complicated by frozen rail switches and a morning software malfunction, causing widespread disruption to the Dutch rail network. Although limited train services resumed later, most routes around Amsterdam remained closed, and the national railway advised travelers to avoid unnecessary journeys.

Those who opted to drive instead faced lengthy delays, as snow and ice caused major slowdowns on highways.

Italy: Rain Dampens Rome’s Celebrations

In Rome, persistent rainfall caused the Tiber River to overflow its banks, casting a shadow over Pope Leo XIV’s Christmas festivities. St. Peter’s Square was only partly filled as a few thousand people gathered under umbrellas to hear the Pope’s Epiphany blessing from the basilica’s balcony.

With steady rain since before Christmas, Rome’s mayor restricted access to parks and flood-prone areas on Tuesday. Further north, Bologna saw a dusting of snow, and skiers in the Dolomites welcomed fresh powder, though much of northern and central Italy was bracing for continued freezing temperatures.

United Kingdom: Bitter Cold and Widespread Disruption

Britain experienced a sharp drop in temperatures, reaching as low as minus 12.5°C (9.5°F) overnight. Snow caused major interruptions to rail, road, and air travel, forcing the closure of hundreds of schools in northern regions.

Sporting events such as horse races and soccer matches were canceled due to the wintry conditions. Ice led to a power outage that shut down Glasgow’s subway, and Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport was temporarily closed on Monday. Up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) of snow was expected in northern Scotland, where some communities were already isolated by earlier storms. Lawmakers described the situation as “critical,” urging military assistance to help deliver food and medical supplies to those stranded.

Balkans: Snow, Rain, and Emergency Measures

Heavy snowfall and rain swept across the Balkans, causing rivers to swell and disrupting both traffic and utility services. In Sarajevo, Bosnia, a woman died after being struck by a snow-laden tree branch. Western Serbia declared emergency measures in several municipalities due to the severe weather.

Serbian authorities cautioned drivers to exercise extreme care, especially as many traveled to ski resorts or prepared for Orthodox Christmas celebrations. Black ice forced vehicles to stop along the route to Mount Bjelasnica near Sarajevo on Tuesday morning.

Along the Adriatic coast, strong winds and rough seas battered Croatia and Montenegro. Video footage captured waves flooding holiday cottages at Ada Bojana in southern Montenegro during a storm.

Reporting contributed by Associated Press journalists throughout Europe.