Heavy snow and high winds have caused traffic chaos across Germany with 300 accidents overnight in one region alone and at least three deaths nationwide.

One death was reported in North Rhine-Westphalia in the north-west while Bavaria in the south saw two deaths.

North Rhine-Westphalia, which takes in the cities of Cologne and Dusseldorf, recorded 300 accidents.

Long traffic jams formed on motorways as some roads were closed and flights at some airports were affected.

In the northern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, public transport was shut down in the city of Rostock as 30cm (12in) of snow fell.