A deadly winter storm is crippling most of Europe, killing 18 people in Poland after exposure to temperatures as low as 14-degrees Farenheit.

Heavy snowfall, flooding, and strong winds had prompted authorities to declare a states of emergency in several countries.

Travel in Europe is nearly paralyzed as many major airports remain closed and the roads and railways are mostly impassable. Airlines have cancelled hundreds of flights and thousands of passengers are stranded.

Meanhwile, forecasters predict the winter weather could let up by the weekend.