World IN BRIEF : EUROPE : Early Snowstorm Takes 28 Lives

Snow fell across much of Europe as an early season cold snap persisted. The freezing temperatures have been blamed for at least 28 deaths, many of the victims being homeless people. The blanket of white covered much of Northern, Eastern and Central Europe. London’s dusting was the first in November since 1969. Forecasters expected no letup across the Continent until at least the end of the week. Snow fell as far south as central Italy and blanketed the Piazza San Marco in Venice. Meteorologists in Bucharest said the Romanian capital was experiencing its coldest November on record. Heavy snow fell during the weekend, and heating-fuel shortages were reported throughout the country.