The worst storms to hit Denmark and Sweden in 55 years swept the harbour and city of Copenhagen, Dec. 7.

Copenhagen harbour with its ships glazed over by ice and frost looked like something out of a fairy tale book. Crews were busy stripping the rigging of its glittering mantle, unpacking ice-locked cargo. Even the pigeons, usually swarming all over town, huddled together around manhole covers to absorb what warmth they could.

Train and tram services were paralysed, cars stranded, roads blocked by snow drifts. A sheet of ice covered roadways and pavements alike, making a short walk to shops and offices a hazardous task. Icy winds numbed scuttling pedestrians and many people were killed in accidents due to polar weather conditions.

Ice and snow came suddenly, Dec 7, after a comparatively warm spell. Scandinavia's first onslaught of winter's frosty breath is expected to continue.