A powerful winter storm has swept across northwestern Europe, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and widespread disruptions to transportation networks in several major cities. Airports, highways, and rail systems struggled to cope as temperatures plunged and icy conditions intensified.
Amsterdam Airport Becomes a Temporary Shelter
At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s busiest hubs, thousands of passengers spent the night on terminal floors after dozens of flights were delayed or canceled.
Airport officials cited runway icing, poor visibility, and aircraft de-icing backlogs as the main reasons for the disruptions.
Emergency teams distributed blankets, food, and water, while airlines urged passengers to check travel updates before heading to the airport.
“We are doing everything possible, but safety comes first,” a Schiphol spokesperson said, warning that delays could continue as the storm moves east.
Paris Brought to a Standstill
In Paris, heavy snowfall blanketed streets, landmarks, and suburbs — creating scenes of beauty but also chaos.
Public transport was hit hard: buses were halted, metro services experienced severe delays, and many roads became impassable.
Authorities asked residents to avoid unnecessary travel, while snowplows worked around the clock to clear key routes. Despite efforts, accidents and stalled vehicles contributed to city-wide gridlock.
Flights at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports were either grounded or significantly delayed as crews battled accumulating snow.
Ripple Effects Across the Region
The storm did not spare surrounding countries. Parts of Belgium, northern France, Germany, and the Netherlands experienced power outages, school closures, and warnings from meteorological agencies urging caution on icy roads.
Rail operators reported packed platforms and canceled services, as frozen switches and snow-covered tracks slowed operations.
Climate and Preparedness Questions Raised
This extreme weather event has reignited debate over Europe’s readiness for severe winter storms, particularly in densely populated urban areas where infrastructure is highly dependent on uninterrupted transport networks.
While meteorologists say such storms are not unusual, they warn that rapid temperature swings and more volatile weather patterns may become increasingly common.
