by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 8:30 AM ET, Tue January 6, 2026
A powerful winter system brought snow, ice and freezing temperatures to large parts of Europe this week, snarling transportation and grounding hundreds of flights.
According to the Associated Press (AP), at least five people were killed in weather-related incidents in France as heavy snowfall created dangerous driving conditions.
In Paris, snow is transforming landmarks and rooftops while forcing closures Tuesday morning. Travel disruptions were widespread; AP reported six airports in northern and western France were temporarily shut down due to heavy snowfall.
Britain Sees Record Cold and Closures
In the UK, snow and ice disrupted rail and air travel. Temperatures in northern regions plunged to -12.5 Celsius overnight, according to reports.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport was also forced to close temporarily on Monday. AP reported that up to 15 centimetres of snow was forecast for northern Scotland, where some communities were already cut off.
Weather Impacts Stretch Across Southern and Eastern Europe
In Italy, prolonged rainfall caused the Tiber River to swell again, dampening Epiphany celebrations in Rome.
Rome’s mayor banned all recreational and sporting events in public areas on Tuesday, due to bad weather.
In northern Italy, freezing temperatures are forecast to persist across much of the country.
RELATED: 'Deteriorating, Extreme Weather' Forces Flight Suspensions in Scotland
Further east, severe weather affected the Balkans, where snow and heavy rain disrupted transportation and utilities, while parts of Serbia declared emergency measures due to worsening conditions.
Along the Adriatic coast, strong winds and rough seas battered parts of Croatia and Montenegro.
Airport Disruptions in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, snow and ice impacted air and rail travel. Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport confirmed that roughly 400 flights were cancelled on Tuesday as crews worked to de-ice aircraft and clear runways.
Additional cancellations had already occurred the previous day, with further snowfall expected through the week.
Ground transportation proved equally challenging. The Dutch rail system experienced widespread disruption due to frozen track switches and an early-morning software issue. While limited service later resumed, routes around Amsterdam remained largely closed. National rail operator NS urged residents and visitors to travel only if absolutely necessary, AP reports.
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