Heavy snowfalls hit Southern Scandinavia and Denmark by Steph Ball
Denmark and parts of southern Scandinavia continue to experience problems this weekend after unexpectedly heavy snowfalls, plummeting temperatures and strong winds left roads gridlocked and led to flight cancellations.
It all started on Wednesday when a snow storm began to blanket parts of southern Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
Across Norway, almost unprecedented amounts of snow and blizzard-like conditions led to the closure of the main road between Kristiansand and Grimstad as vehicles became stranded by five feet high drifts. Amongst the gridlock it became impossible for snow ploughs to be mobilised to clear the roads. Those leaving their vehicles had to be rescued by the only means possible, using snow scooters.
As further snow fell on Saturday across Norway it compounded the problems across the region. Large shopping centres had to be closed as customers dwindled and the sheer weight of snow also downed power lines and trees. At most, more than 4,000 households in the Kristiansand and Lillesand areas were left without electricity on Saturday.
Four reigning monarchs and a host of other royalty arrived at Oslo airport on Friday amidst the heavy snow storm. They were there for the weekend celebrations to mark the 70th birthday of King Harald.
Luckily their flight was not cancelled or delayed as were those of the many travellers from Denmark’s, Copenhagen International Airport. On Friday the snowstorm led to 93 flights having to be cancelled. The snow and strong winds brought transportation across the country almost to a standstill as train and bus services were left crippled.
As the snow continues to fall through this weekend, further problems are expected.
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