Ukraine has suffered the heaviest toll with 122 deaths, including many who froze to death in the streets as temperatures plunged to as low as minus 38.

Airports were shut, flights and trains delayed and highways gridlocked as emergency services raced to clear falling snow.

In Italy, the ferry Sharden hit a breakwater shortly after setting off from the port of Civitavecchia near Rome.

It caused panic among the 262 passengers, who feared a repeat of the cruise ship tragedy in the area last month that is thought to have killed 32 people.

Coastguard spokesman Carnine Albano said the accident, which tore a 25-metre hole in the ship's side above the waterline, happened after the vessel was buffeted by a violent snowstorm from the north-east.

All passengers were evacuated.