60+ killed by cold snap across Europe...
Death toll rises in Europe's deep freeze
Flights out of UAE braving the conditions and still not badly affected; Forecast, however, says weather will get worse
By AFP
Published Sunday, December 05, 2010
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Two horses stand amid falling snow on a field nearby Barderup, northern Germany, Germany. (EPA)
An early cold snap in Europe claimed more lives Saturday, while a wildcat strike by Spanish air traffic controllers added to the travel chaos caused by snow, ice, and in some countries flooding.
Freezing weather killed another nine people in Poland over a 24-hour period, bringing the death toll there to 46 since the beginning of November, police said.
More photos: Europe shivers as heavy snow disrupts life http://www.emirates247.com/news/world/e ... e-1.323772
Temperatures there dropped as low as minus 19 degrees Celsius (minus 2 Fahrenheit) overnight Friday.
In the neighbouring Czech Republic, it was minus 20 Celsius (minus 4 Fahrenheit) overnight, disrupting rail traffic as the ice seized up signals at several junctions.
French police blamed icy driving conditions for three deaths in the east of the country after a car slid off the road and into a canal near Plobsheim late Friday. Neither the driver nor the passengers had been drinking, police added.
UAE FLIGHTS MOSTLY ON
In a statement to Emirates 24|7, a spokesperson from the UK-based British Airways said: “The effects of the snow and adverse weather conditions in the UK continue to disrupt flights. British Airways staff is working tirelessly to help customers get to their chosen destination.
“We are extremely sorry that customers may be inconvenienced. Our staff will do everything they can to help. Customers should check on ba.com for the very latest information about their specific flight before leaving for the airport.
“If their flight has been cancelled customers can either chose to rebook on an alternative flight or they can claim a full refund.â€