Ice skaters take to Amsterdam's canals during Europe's big freeze

The freezing conditions gripping Europe have produced one unexpected upside: parts of Amsterdam’s canals have frozen over, allowing locals to ice skate on the waterways.

Europe's "big freeze" has it benefits, for some.

For the first time in about six years, part of the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals froze hard enough to support the weight of dozens of sightseers, locals and ice skaters.

Footage from the canals shows people on skates criss-crossing the ice while others stroll along enjoying the novelty of walking on what is normally flowing water.

Read the story from The Guardian - “Ice skaters take to Amsterdam's canals during Europe's big freeze.”

UK weather update: Temperatures plunge so low that sea freezes over

The sea in parts of the UK has frozen over as a prolonged spell of Arctic weather hammers the country with ice, snow and sub-zero temperatures.

Parts of the sea in the UK has frozen over because of
the prolonged spell of sub-zero temperatures.

Bembridge Harbour on the east coast of the Isle of Wight iced over on Wednesday as the water temperature dropped below -2C, leaving boats trapped.

Read the story by Josh Gabbatiss on the Independent - “UK weather update: Temperatures plunge so low that sea freezes over.”