By Paul Mayow
Much of Europe remains in the grip of a historic cold snap that is fast becoming a crisis.
Germans are being warned to prepare for a blizzard due to hit the country tomorrow, while in the UK, where most of the country remains covered in a thick blanket of snow, at least 22 people have died.
Britain is showing signs of strain as the big freeze stretches into a third day, and there is no let up in sight, with forecasters predicting further snowfalls and wind chills over the next few days, which will make it feel even colder
Road grit is running out and is now being rationed, making travel even more treacherous. The AA says the past few days have been the busiest for callouts in its history.
Gas is also being restricted, putting pressure on many businesses already struggling, with only half of the working population making it into work.
Meanwhile 10,000 schools across the country are closed, creating headaches for parents already struggling to get to work and students who are preparing for crucial exams due to take place next week.
At least 22 people have died in the UK, including two brothers who fell into a frozen lake. But despite the risks, many children are ignoring warnings to keep off the ice, treating frozen waterways as outdoor skating rinks.
The whole nation is freezing, but the coldest place so far is Altnaharra in the Scottish highlands, where temperatures overnight plummeted to minus 22.3degC - as cold as some parts of the South Pole.
Like Britain, the cold snap has caused chaos for transport services throughout continental Europe, with snow clogging roads, railways and airports.
In France, many people are using skis to get around, while in Germany business is booming for sled makers. There, households are being advised to stock up on food and medicines in preparation for a blizzard which is due to hit the country over the weekend.
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