More than 28 people have died in in Europe due to a strong winter storm that has hit the area, and 20 of those died in Poland, where the temperatures reached 20 degrees Celsius below zero. Also, there were several problems with air traffick and accidents on the continent's icy roads.

A police spokesman asked citizens to help those without homes or supplies, saying that "in these cases, no person should remain indifferent, and authorities should be informed," according to a news agency.

In Poland, at least 47 people have died as a result of the cold. Police have been visiting uninhabited homes and parks in order to help those who have less resources.

In the Czech Republic, eight people have died since the middle of last week, according to the police.

In Spain, 51 out of the 57 provinces are under an alert due to the cold temperatures, which could reach 20 degrees below zero in Burgos, León, Palencia, Soria and Alava.

The temperatures in Italy reached record lows, with the region of Osteria Marcesina registering 29 degrees below zero, while Gran Sasso had temperatures of 25 degrees below zero.

Meteorologists have announced more intense snowfall for northern and central regions in Italy, while in Liguria two people have died due to an explosion in their heating devices.

The waves of cold have also caused severe traffic problems in Europe, several airports had to close down or cancel flights.

Some airports, like Germany's Frankfurt, had canceled 50 flights and 15 had to stray from their original flight paths to Stuttgart or Munich, with a spokesman saying that employees are "working without rest."