Airport, train operations affected as heavy snow covers Europe

International

THE thick snow and freezing rain that covered Europe have forced airports to cancel flights, especially in the United Kingdom and Germany.

Since Sunday, the heavy snow and ice that enveloped different countries in Europe prompted several airports there to close their runway and suspend flights.

Manchester Airport, John Lennon Airport, and Birmingham Airport were forced to temporarily close their runways giving their staff time to clear the snow on the road before opening it again.

Aside from air travel, train routes in Wales, England, and Scotland have also been disrupted because of the weather disturbance.

“Ice and snow can mean speed restrictions and line closures are implemented to ensure trains can run safely on the railway,” National Rail announced.

Authorities have also warned the public to take extra precautions while traveling the road because of thick snow and ice, especially since many of the families were traveling home from holiday break including students heading back to school.

Some roads were closed causing vehicles to be stranded and created severe traffic disruptions.

Power outages were also recorded in some places like Bristol and in Cardiff, Wales. The National Grid had been working to get the power back.

AP News reported that authorities raised concern that some rural areas, particularly in northern England, could be cut off with snow on the ground above 300 meters.

As for Germany, the country’s heavy snowfall caused poor visibility forcing Frankfurt airport, Gemarny’s largest air hub, to suspend 120 flights.

Munich airport also opened just one runway.

The meteorological center in Germany has warned the public of freezing rain that would continue until Sunday.(LAO)