An extreme cold wave that has struck Europe and earned the nickname "The Beast from the East" because of its origins in Russia has killed at least 50 people - most of them homeless - and caused severe damage. Schools were shut down in Britain, Portugal and the Balkans.
In Scotland where hundreds of cars have been stuck for hours on one of the busiest roads in the country since yesterday due to snow, a red alert has been declared for today with more snow expected as Atlantic storm "Emma" approaches, with states of emergency declared in other parts of the United Kingdom.