Much of Europe is bracing itself for more snow this weekend as winter weather continues to cause transport difficulties for travellers.
Freezing temperatures have so far been blamed for the death of 122 people in Poland, 22 in Britain, and nine homeless men in Germany. A further 22 people were killed by avalanches in the Swiss Alps.
Snow fell this morning at Alpine ski resorts including Zermatt in southern Switzerland.
A storm moving from the Mediterranean known as "Daisy" will bring snow to parts of Switzerland, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic today as it collides with freezing Arctic air, the German Meteorological Service said.
At least 16 rail providers altered schedules due to the weather, while Eurostar said it will run restricted services until January 10th. A train from Brussels to London stalled in the Channel Tunnel for two hours yesterday.
Eurostar is operating about two-thirds of its scheduled trains linking London with Paris and Brussels today, and will end services earlier than normal, said Anna Haslam, a company spokeswoman in London.
Eurostar is also advising customers to put off unnecessary travel.
The bad weather is expected to last for another two weeks, draining European gas supplies. Britain’s national grid warned that record gas demand might exceed supply for the second time this week after a drop in supplies from Norway, as dozens of big industrial users switched to other fuels to ensure heating for households.
Record demand for power in Norway led to limits for schools and aluminium producer Norsk Hydro ASA, while Poland said it may cut natural-gas deliveries to companies.
Agencies