Serbia urges citizens to save power in big freeze

BELGRADE, Serbia — Serbia is struggling to maintain its power system amid record low temperatures in the Balkan country and much of Europe.

The state power company has warned of restrictions unless electricity consumption is reduced. The company says the system can only meet the present level of demand for a week longer.

There are also fears that ice that has formed on rivers could jeopardize power production at hydroelectric plants. Authorities also fear flooding and plan to use explosives to break the ice.

Ice has halted shipping on the Danube in Serbia and throughout the Balkans.

Hundreds of people have died in freezing weather in Europe since January, while tens of thousands remain cut off by snow.

Temperatures in Serbia dropped to minus 17 Fahrenheit (minus 27 Celsius) in some areas on Thursday.