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Europe braced for more heavy snow Germany prepares to face blizzard
(about 2 hours later)
Snow and gale-force winds are expected to cause transport chaos in Germany as a bitter cold snap continues to wreak havoc across Europe. German households have been advised to stock up on food, medicines and drinking water as the nation braces for a blizzard that is heading its way.
Up to 40cm (15 inches) of snow was expected later on Friday in Germany, with heavy winds expected to bring traffic to a standstill. Germany's Civil Protection Office (BBK) says heavy snowfalls expected on Saturday could trigger local power cuts and severely disrupt public transport.
The snow is already more than 30cm (one foot) deep on the isle of Ruegen, off Germany's Baltic coast, ZDF TV says.
In Switzerland, heavy snow has cut the flow of lorries through Alpine tunnels.
The busy Gotthard and San Bernardino tunnels were temporarily closed to heavy goods vehicles on Friday, the Swissinfo news website reported.
Snowdrifts
Gale-force winds and drifting snow are expected to bring traffic to a standstill in many parts of Germany.
Measures are being taken to protect the homeless from the weather
The German authorities say the situation is exacerbated by shortages of grit for clearing roads.
Airports have called in extra staff and rail operators have warned of delays.Airports have called in extra staff and rail operators have warned of delays.
Households have been advised to keep three or four days' worth of provisions, including alternative cooking fuel in case of power cuts. Among the essential items listed by the BBK is a battery-powered radio, for checking weather reports.
Spreading south
In the UK, the worst winter for decades has led to a fear for energy supplies as temperatures dropped to -22C (-8F).In the UK, the worst winter for decades has led to a fear for energy supplies as temperatures dropped to -22C (-8F).
"What is being forecast for the weekend could lead to chaotic traffic conditions and potentially leave large parts of Germany completely paralysed," warned the Auto Club Europa."What is being forecast for the weekend could lead to chaotic traffic conditions and potentially leave large parts of Germany completely paralysed," warned the Auto Club Europa.
In cities like Dusseldorf, Red Cross workers were setting up heated tents for emergency accommodation as up to 10 homeless people have frozen to death in recent weeks because of the cold weather. In cities like Duesseldorf, Red Cross workers were setting up heated tents for emergency accommodation as up to 10 homeless people have frozen to death in recent weeks because of the cold weather.
In the Netherlands, icebreakers have been deployed to clear shipping routes such as the Twente canal, the harbours of Almelo and Enschede and the Ijsselmeer inland sea.
Northern Spain is expecting more heavy snowfalls while the country's south has been hit by severe floods.Northern Spain is expecting more heavy snowfalls while the country's south has been hit by severe floods.
France is also braced for more snow. Meteo France warned: "The amount of snow expected is significant, exceptional even". Parts of France - notably the south-western region of Provence - are without power and suffering transport delays after up to 20cm of snow fell in recent days. France is also braced for more snow. Meteo France warned: "The amount of snow expected is significant, exceptional even".
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The current big chill is a result of high pressure over the polar region, which has pushed cold air out of the Arctic towards much of northern Europe, parts of Asia and the US. Winds from the north and north east, rather than the south and south west, have brought freezing temperatures to the UK.
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Provisional Met Office figures for December show temperatures for much of the UK were 1.5C and 2.5C below the mean temperatures for the last 30 years. Scotland saw temperatures dip still lower - from 2.5C to 3.5C. On Thursday, temperatures in Scotland plunged to -22.3C in places.
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Winds from the north also brought cold weather to parts of Asia, with Beijing receiving its heaviest snowfall for nearly 60 years. At the weekend, up to 30cm (12in) of snow fell in China's capital and its neighbouring port city of Tianjin. Dozens of people have also died in a cold snap in northern India.
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However, while parts of the world suffer freezing temperatures, the seesaw patterns mean other areas are warmer than usual, including Alaska, northern Canada and the Mediterranean. Met Office figures for the end of 2009 show some places dropped 10C below the average, while others were 10C above.
 BACK{current} of {total}NEXT 		Parts of France - notably the south-western region of Provence - are without power and suffering transport delays after up to 20cm of snow fell in recent days.
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