Europe Endures Deeper Freeze

Freezing conditions and snowfall continue across Europe.

In the UK temperatures fell to as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius overnight, bringing more unwelcome travel chaos.

[Motorist, Britain]:
„It’s not very nice. It’s OK on picture postcards but I don’t like it in real life. (Off-camera reporter asks; have you got far to go?) No, I’m just taking my wife to work, I’m really on night shift. I got up to take her to work.“

Severe warnings have been issued as more heavy snow is expected through the week.

Airports across the country have been closed with many train services across Britain suffering cancellations and delays.

Motorists are putting on a brave face.

[Karen Collins, Motorist]:
„People are laughing it off all the time, you know. It’s one or two obviously that are having a few problems and that but, people have got good spirits I think really. I think they’re getting used to it to be honest. We expected a few days over Christmas and it’s still continuing. Cheers! Thank you very much.“

Britain’s network operator National Grid also came out with a warning that gas consumption may have to be cut to meet the high demand.

In Germany, sub-zero temperatures meant that ice breakers were called out to free waterways around the capital.

At Berlin’s local zoo meanwhile, it wasn’t only the polar bears enjoying a day out in the cold.

[Christa Angermann, Zoo Visitor]:
„It’s almost as good as a winter holiday here when you go for a walk. You don’t meet a lot of people, there is beautiful snow, it’s clean and you can walk well. I’m happy!“

Meteorologists predicted the freezing temperatures in Germany will persist for the coming days and announced new snow for the weekend.

In the UK freezing conditions are expected late into January.

(NTDTV)