Snow and ice wreak havoc across Europe, causing deadly accidents and travel chaos

Severe Winter Weather Disrupts Travel Across Europe, Claims Lives in France

At least five people have died in France as snow, ice, and freezing temperatures swept across Europe on Tuesday, creating treacherous conditions and throwing travel plans into chaos.

Authorities in southwestern France’s Landes region reported three fatalities from weather-related accidents, with at least two more deaths recorded in the Île-de-France region surrounding Paris. The French capital implemented emergency measures, including banning trucks from roads after snowfall caused massive traffic congestion on Monday.

Parisians woke Tuesday to snow-covered rooftops across the city’s iconic landscape. While children enjoyed an unexpected holiday as schools closed, travelers faced significant disruptions as authorities shuttered six airports across northern and western France.

The Netherlands experienced particularly severe disruptions, with Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport—one of Europe’s busiest hubs—canceling approximately 600 flights. Ground crews worked frantically to clear runways and de-ice aircraft throughout the day, with forecasters warning of additional snowfall throughout the week.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines issued warnings to stranded passengers about scammers posing as customer service representatives targeting travelers. The airline cautioned passengers to remain vigilant against phishing attempts seeking personal and payment information. Adding to their troubles, KLM reported shortages of the glycol fluid used with hot water for aircraft de-icing operations, noting that airports across Europe faced similar challenges after days of freezing conditions.

Transportation networks around Amsterdam nearly ground to a halt. The Dutch national railway company NS reported that a combination of frozen track points and an early morning software malfunction severely disrupted rail service. While limited train operations resumed later in the morning, routes around the capital remained largely inoperable, prompting NS to urge commuters to “only travel if it’s absolutely necessary.”

Those who attempted to drive instead encountered significant delays as snow and ice created hazardous road conditions. Thijs Rademakers, an 18-year-old student who opted to cycle rather than wait for public transportation in the eastern city of Arnhem, described the journey as “tough, very slippery,” noting that “many people fall. Luckily, I didn’t.”

In Italy, weeks of persistent rain swelled the Tiber River beyond its banks, dampening Pope Leo XIV’s traditional Epiphany blessing in Rome. Only a few thousand people gathered under umbrellas in a partially filled St. Peter’s Square as the pontiff delivered his address. Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri issued an ordinance restricting access to parks and other areas at risk of flooding or falling trees.

Northern Italy saw snow dust Bologna while giving skiers in the Dolomites reason to celebrate, though meteorologists forecast freezing temperatures for much of the northern and central regions in coming days.

Britain’s northern regions recorded temperatures plummeting to minus 12.5 degrees Celsius (9.5 Fahrenheit) overnight. The cold snap disrupted rail, road, and air travel while forcing hundreds of schools to close. Sporting events, including horse races and soccer matches, were canceled due to snow and frost. Ice-related power failures shut down Glasgow’s subway system.

Northern Scotland braced for up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) of additional snow, with some residents already isolated by previous snowfalls. Northeast Scotland lawmaker Andrew Bowie described the situation as “critical” and called for military assistance to clear roads and deliver essential supplies to stranded communities.

The Balkan region experienced both heavy snow and rain, causing rivers to swell and creating widespread disruptions to traffic, power, and water services. A woman in Sarajevo, Bosnia’s capital, died Monday when a snow-laden tree branch fell on her. Serbian authorities implemented emergency measures in western municipalities and cautioned drivers heading to skiing resorts for Orthodox Christmas celebrations.

Along the Adriatic coast, Croatia and Montenegro battled heavy winds and stormy seas. Video footage captured waves sweeping through vacation cottages in Ada Bojana in southern Montenegro during particularly violent storms.

As Europe contends with this widespread winter weather system, forecasters warn that difficult conditions may persist in many regions through the coming days.