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Snow, High Winds hit Europe; Croatia Faces Swollen River

by Associated Press

   BUCHAREST, ROMANIA --

   Croatian emergency crews and soldiers are struggling to contain the
   swollen Sava River that has reached record levels southeast of the
   capital, Zagreb.

   Authorities say water levels Monday by the town of Jasenovac exceeded
   the highest-ever recorded by some 10 centimeters (4 inches). About a
   dozen houses in a nearby village are cut off. The Croatian state TV
   channel HRT says residents have refused to evacuate so emergency crews
   are delivering food and water by boat.

   Experts say the Sava is expected to rise further in the coming days due
   to fresh snow.

   To the east, snow and freezing rain have delayed dozens of flights and
   some trains in Romania amid an unseasonal cold snap.

   Valentin Iordache, the spokesman for Bucharest airports, reported 30
   flight delays Monday morning due to the wintry weather. Temperatures
   were around minus 5 Celsius (23 Fahrenheit). Trains running from
   Bucharest to the Black Sea port of Constanta and the southern city of
   Craiova were also delayed.

   Weather forecasters issued an amber warning Monday for Bucharest and
   seven counties in southern and eastern Romania for sleet, snow and
   black ice.

   Winter snow has also hit Germany, Hungary and Britain, among other
   European nations.