Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Travel Across Europe
Heavy snowfall in France, the UK, and the Netherlands has led to significant transport disruptions. Major European airports experienced flight delays and cancellations, the Eurostar was paralyzed, and trucks were blocked.
France: Alert Level Orange
An orange alert remains in effect until Tuesday morning and may extend throughout the day. In Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, approximately 700 flights were canceled, accounting for more than half of the roughly 1,200 scheduled departures and arrivals.
Rail traffic also suffered severe disruptions, particularly in the Amsterdam region. Eurostar trains connecting the Netherlands to Paris and London ceased operation.
United Kingdom: Extreme Cold and Snowfall
Temperatures dropped to -10.9°C in Shap, northeast England, and snow accumulation reached 52 cm in Tomintoul, northern Scotland, according to the UK Met Office.
Flights were canceled at airports such as Liverpool, Aberdeen, Inverness in Scotland, and Belfast in Northern Ireland.
In Paris, airlines reduced flights by 15% at Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports due to intense snowfall.
Philippe Tabarot, France’s Transport Minister, reported 250 snow clearance vehicles on standby at both airports, warning of “cancellations and some delays.”
In Paris, no buses were operating in the afternoon, and rush hour traffic reached a record high of 1.02 km in the Paris region.
Impact on Daily Life
Stephanie Anoh, 51, expressed frustration while attempting to take a train at Saint-Lazare station in Paris: “In Canada, temperatures drop to -40°C, and they manage because they prepare and equip themselves. Unlike us.”
Schools were affected in Northern Ireland, with 212 establishments closed on Monday. Dozens of centers also remained shut in Scotland, Wales, and northern England.
The snow episode is far from over. The UK Met Office predicts snow and icy conditions until Tuesday night in Northern Ireland, Scotland, parts of Wales, southwest England, and the east coast.
In France, the orange alert remains in effect until Tuesday morning and may extend throughout the day.
The Dutch Meteorological Institute forecasts abundant snowfall again on Wednesday.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is causing the transport chaos? Heavy snowfall in France, the UK, and the Netherlands has led to significant travel disruptions.
- Which countries are affected? The transport disruptions impact the UK, France, and the Netherlands.
- What specific issues have been reported? Flight cancellations and delays at major European airports, Eurostar service suspension, blocked trucks, extreme cold temperatures, and school closures.
- How long will the disruptions last? The snow episode is expected to continue until at least Tuesday night in some regions, with more snow forecast for Wednesday in the Netherlands.
