The Siberian weather system sweeping the continent has been linked to 24 deaths across Europe, according to AFP.
ADVERTISEMENTPlunging overnight temperatures have triggered warnings of hazardous driving conditions for many commuters across Europe.
The Siberian weather system sweeping the continent has already been linked to 24 deaths in the continent, according to news agency AFP.
At least nine deaths have been reported in Poland, with four in France, five in Lithuania, three in the Czech Republic, two in Romania, and one homeless person in Italy, AFP reports.
Among the dead included an elderly woman in France who was found outside the gate to her retirement home on Tuesday, while in Romania an 83-year-old woman was found covered in snow on a street.
Dubbed the 'the beast from the east', the weather front has brought with it heavy snow falls and ice which have also caused major disruption to road and rail.
In mountain areas, strong winds have produced dangerous snowdrifts.
In Spain, a second cold front named Storm Emma has also brought chaos with snow alerts in at least 20 provinces.
With forecasters warning of worse weather later this week, the authorities are urging people not to undertake unnecessary travel.
If they have to make a car journey the advice is to be prepared with blankets, hot drinks and shovels and keep an eye on elderly neighbours who may find themselves unable to get out.