Heavy snow hits air travel, roads across Europe

[December 18, 2010]  LONDON (AP) -- Authorities say air travel across Europe has been disrupted by heavy snow, while rail services and roads were also affected by the blast of wintry weather.

In Britain, London's Gatwick airport closed its runway due to snow, while British Airways suspended all flights from London's Heathrow airport.

At Gatwick, 47 snowplows and 150 staff were deployed in an effort to clear the airport's runway. In a statement, Heathrow said more snow was expected and that staff were "planning for the worst."

Airports in Germany, France, the Netherlands and Denmark also reported cancellations or delays.

Hundreds of motorists were left stranded on the major M6 route in northwestern England following a deluge. Police were offering food and water to stranded drivers.

[Associated Press]

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