Subzero European Temperatures Reach All The Way To Siciliy - AFP

[hatrack]

Europe's relentless deep freeze, with sub-zero temperatures as far south as Sicily, claimed several dozen more victims Tuesday, and triggered record consumption of energy for heating homes, and even tents, against the icy weather. Temperatures as low as minus 36 degrees Celsius (minus 33 degrees Fahrenheit) crippled power grids, and triggered emergency measures to help the homeless and conserve gas supplies from the Baltic states in the north to Italy and Greece in the south.

The Arctic weather conditions are expected to affect much of central Europe at least through Thursday.

The first two reported victims of the cold in Italy were found in northern towns Tuesday, while Moldovan authorities put their country's toll at 13 people over the past two days as temperatures dipped to lows not seen since 1907. Even as temperatures warmed slightly in Russia, where scores of people have died since the cold snap began last week, neighboring Ukraine reported the loss of 26 lives overnight Monday, bringing to 77 the number who have died since last week, the health ministry said.

Several deaths were reported Tuesday in Poland, where the toll stands at 39 since last Thursday. Six more fatalities were reported in Turkey, bringing the total for the week to 17.

EDIT

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Europe_Chilled_To_The_Bone_By_Arctic_Freeze.html

[cliss]

1. Very interesting timing.

I wonder how Europe's resolve will be to keep the pressure on Iran.....where the oil comes from.....

I'd say if Bush was hoping Europe will stand with him on the issue of Iran, they may not be as "idealistic" as he is.