A record Siberian cold current hit Italy, causing at least two deaths and disrupting transport, local media said on Thursday.

An elderly woman froze to death at night in northern Italy's Savona, and another woman went into coma after slipping on ice in Milan, according to Corriere della Sera newspaper.

Heavy snowfall affected the entire Mediterranean peninsula, especially the northern and central regions of Lombardy, Piemonte, Tuscany and Emilia Romagna, where several cities were put on an ice alert and schools were closed.

Sub-zero temperatures made many highways and roads blocked, with snowdrifts topping 50 centimeters along some stretches.

Bologna's international airport was forced to temporary closure after over 100 flights were grounded, while trains in Milan and other cities throughout the country were delayed or cancelled.

The soccer schedule was disrupted too, with many of Italian Serie A and B soccer matches cancelled or postponed due to the bad weather.