03 Mar 2018 | 04:59 AM UTC
Europe: Winter storm leaves over 60 people dead as of March 2
Winter storm leaves over 60 people dead across Europe as of March 2; further transportation disruptions expected in the coming hours and days as wintry weather continues
Event
A severe winter storm, dubbed the "Beast from the East" in the United Kingdom, had left at least 60 people dead and had resulted in widespread flight and other transportation disruptions across Europe as of Friday, March 2. Associated cold temperatures have left several people dead in Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, France, and Spain over the last week.
Notably, Geneva Airport (GVA) was temporarily closed due to the storm on Friday morning. Northern Italy has also been affected by significant rail and road transportation disruptions. The United Kingdom and Ireland have also been particularly affected by the confluence of the "Beast from the East" with Storm Emma, which has resulted in heavy snowfall, high winds, and consequent power outages and widespread road, rail, and air transportation disruptions. Adverse winter weather conditions and transportation disruptions are expected to continue across Europe in the coming hours and days.
Advice
Individuals in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of weather alerts, confirm travel reservations, allow for additional time to travel in affected areas, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities. A comprehensive list of active European weather warnings is available here from Meteoalarm.
