Early winter gives Italy a chill

ROME, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Snow, ice and freezing temperatures have claimed the lives of at least five people, Italian officials said Wednesday.

A homeless man froze to death near Milan and four people were killed in traffic accidents, ANSA reported. Tomas Fioravanti, 38, was found dead in the city of Varese. The traffic fatalities occurred in Sardinia and the Marche region.

Three roads were closed after a landslide Monday in the Pale di San Martino range in the Dolomite mountains.

Snow was forecast Wednesday as far south as Campania, Calabria and Basilicata, ANSA said.