Heavy snow causes winter travelling woes

Heavy snowfall across Switzerland briefly snarled traffic on Friday. Travelling by car was particularly hazardous in cantons Ticino and Graubünden.

The snowline in the southern canton of Ticino fell to 400 metres and up to 30 centimetres of snow was recorded.

But as holiday-makers and commuters hit the roads, the icy conditions made driving conditions difficult.

Two people died in a car accident in canton Bern, while in Graubünden, police reported dozens of traffic accidents.

Much of Europe and parts of the United States have been blanketed in the white stuff, causing havoc on the roads this festive weekend.

While Christmas for many in Switzerland was green, the New Year looks set to start off snowy white.

swissinfo with agencies