A wave of harsh winter weather and heavy snowfall has swept across Europe, disrupting traffic and everyday activity. On Monday, the Italian capital Rome saw its first snowfall in six years. Schools and parks were closed after the rare bout of snow. In Poland, two people have died due to a cold snap, bringing the winter's death toll to 48. According to Britain's weather service, this week is expected to be the coldest period the country has witnessed in years. Parts of England and Wales are likely to see their coldest spell of weather since 1991. In Russia, temperatures in Moscow dropped to minus 20 degrees Celsius on Sunday night -- the coldest night in the capital this winter.