Snow and ice snarls transport in Italy

Milan, Italy - Authorities in Milan appealed to residents and commuters not to use private cars because of the danger posed by icy roads, amid heavy snowfalls Monday in northern and central Italy. More than 30 trains traveling to and from the northern industrial city were canceled while many delays were also reported.

Rail transport was also disrupted in the country's north-eastern regions with dozens of trains linking Venice and Trieste suspended because of snow, ice and fog.

The cold wave that hit the country over the weekend also continued spreading to the central regions, with heavy snow falls near the Tuscan cities of Lucca and Pisa forcing the closure of several regional roads and the motorway linking the area to Florence.

Skidding caused by ice is believed to have caused an accident involving at least 10 cars on the A12 motorway between Viareggio and Pisa. No serious injuries were reported.