Severe snowfall and treacherous icy conditions have wreaked havoc across Europe, leading to six fatalities and significant travel disruptions. The tragic incidents included five deaths in France linked to hazardous driving conditions, while a woman lost her life in Sarajevo, Bosnia, due to a falling tree that collapsed under the weight of heavy snow.
Authorities reported that three of the deaths in France occurred in Landes, located in the southwest, due to black ice. Additionally, two separate motor vehicle accidents in the Paris region contributed to the fatalities. One involved a collision between a car and a heavy goods vehicle in eastern Paris, while another incident saw a taxi lose control and plunge into the Marne River after hitting a kerb.
The Balkans have also been severely affected; Sarajevo experienced 16 inches (40 centimeters) of snowfall, with the tragic fatality occurring when a heavy snow-laden tree fell. French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot warned that additional snowfall was expected on Tuesday night and throughout Wednesday, urging the public to minimize travel and work from home if possible.
As the snowstorm continues, France’s national weather service issued an orange alert for 38 districts, cautioning residents about the dangers posed by ice and snow. Consequently, many train services were cancelled, and airports experienced significant flight disruptions. Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris anticipated a 40% cancellation rate for several hours on Wednesday morning to allow ground crews to clear snow from runways, while Orly airport planned to cancel a quarter of its flights during the same timeframe. In Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport faced over 400 cancelled flights, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and unable to connect to other flights, resulting in long queues at airline counters as travelers sought information regarding their travel plans.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely and are taking necessary measures to restore normalcy as soon as weather conditions permit.