Snow and high winds cause problems across Czech Republic

Heavy snow and high winds have been causing problems across the Czech Republic. Over two thousand households in the Olomouc region in the easternmost part of the Czech Republic were left without electricity during the night and morning hours as gale force winds brought down power lines. Power cuts were also reported from other parts of the country. Drivers have been warned not to leave for the country's mountain resorts without winter tires and chains. The Jeseniky mountain rescue service has called a high degree of avalanche alert, warning skiers not to leave marked tourist trails.