Snow, ice and freezing temperatures hit parts of Europe on Tuesday, causing treacherous traffic conditions that left at least five people dead in France and forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights from one of the continent’s busiest airports. Air travellers were less happy though, as heavy snowfall forced the closure of six airports in the north and west of France. It urged commuters to “only travel if it’s absolutely necessary.”Commuters forced to drive to work also faced time-consuming journeys as a combination of the snow and ice snarled traffic on some highways. Farther north, snow dusted Bologna and gave skiers in the Dolomites reason to cheer, though freezing temperatures are forecast for much of the north and central part of the peninsula over the coming days. Both heavy snow and heavy rain swept through Balkan countries, swelling rivers and creating problems in traffic and disruptions in power and water supplies.

Source: Irish Examiner January 06, 2026 15:46 UTC