PRAGUE - Snowstorms and strong winds in the Czech Republic killed two people, uprooted trees and cut off power supplies on Friday, local media reported.
One man died when a tree fell on his car, and another was killed in a traffic accident on an icy road in the central European country, news agency CTK and Czech Television reported.
Up to 70 cm (28 inches) of snow fell in some areas, causing traffic jams, mountain rescue chief Rudolf Chlad told Czech Television.
Falling trees -- uprooted by gusts of wind reaching 144 kmph (89 mph) -- blocked roads, cut power lines in a number of areas and swept trucks off the roads.
Mountain rescue services warned skiers of a rising danger of avalanches.
The historic icon of the Czech capital, the Prague Castle, was closed to visitors because of fears of falling roof tiles, a spokesman for President Vaclav Klaus said.
Weather forecasts predicted slightly lower wind speeds for Saturday and Sunday but further heavy snow.
REUTERS NEWS SERVICE
