The recent cold snap has led to many deaths across Europe.

The number of people killed across Europe due to the cold weather over the last few days has risen well into double figures, with temperatures falling far below freezing – some temperatures in south Germany reached lows of -33°c.

The BBC has reported more than 80 deaths across Europe. Poland might be one of the worst-affected European countries, with reports of the number frozen to death well into double figures – most of the dead were reportedly homeless. The Ukraine and Germany have also reported high numbers of dead because of the weather conditions.

Travel services across Europe have also experienced major disruption. In Paris, 40% of the flights out of Charles de Gaulle airport had to be cancelled because of dangerous snow levels. Dusseldorff airport had to be closed on Sunday 20, but has been re-opened, while Spain’s airport runways and train services have also been affected.

London’s Luton airport is now re-opened, however it is operating on a tight schedule with some flights inevitably delayed or cancelled – seven departing flights to other European countries are currently cancelled.

Eurostar trains are today (Tuesday 22 December) operating on a restricted service, after three days with no service. Meanwhile, on the roads, the south of England in particular has experienced lengthy delays, with some car drivers stranded on roads in Hampshire, while others had to sleep overnight in the bedroom section of a UK department store.

Yesterday was the AA’s busiest day in more than ten years, as the automobile rescue service reported 16,000 breakdowns by 3pm – 10,000 more than it usually receives for a whole day.

The cold weather is not set to continue at its current levels, with temperatures set to rise in the next few days.