The UK is facing major disruptions due to heavy snow and freezing rain, snowfall of up to 40cm has caused road closures, rail disruptions
The UK is reeling from severe weather as heavy snow, freezing rain, and sub-zero temperatures disrupt travel, power supplies, and daily life. The Met Office has issued amber weather warnings for large parts of England and Wales, while yellow warnings for snow, ice, and rain extend across much of the country. The extreme weather has created hazardous conditions on roads, disrupted rail services, and temporarily shut down major airports.
Heavy snowfall overnight in Wales and northern England has left roads impassable and rail services disrupted. Up to 40cm of snow has been recorded in higher areas such as the southern Pennines, with rural communities at risk of being completely cut off. National Highways warned of treacherous driving conditions with up to 25cm of snow on some northern roads, and black ice adding to the danger. Rail services in northern England were severely impacted, with the line between Leeds and Halifax via Dewsbury closed in both directions. Northern routes are expected to face delays well into Monday.
Airports have also been hit hard. Manchester, Liverpool John Lennon, and Leeds Bradford airports closed their runways early Sunday morning due to heavy snow. Manchester Airport resumed limited operations mid-morning, while Liverpool reopened shortly after 10 a.m. Some flights were rerouted, including a plane from Toronto to Manchester, which had to divert to Paris before eventually reaching Manchester. Passengers across the country were urged to check with airlines for the latest updates.
The National Grid reported power outages affecting thousands of homes in areas including the Midlands, south Wales, southwest England, and Cornwall. Efforts to restore power are ongoing, with utility companies assuring customers that teams are working around the clock to address the outages. In Devon, flood warnings were issued for the River Taw and River Torridge, with the Environment Agency warning residents to prepare for potential flooding as the heavy snow transitions into rain in some southern areas.
The Met Office’s amber warnings predict freezing rain and rapid thawing in southern regions, creating additional hazards. Yellow warnings for snow and ice cover Northern Ireland, Scotland, and remaining parts of England and Wales. These warnings are expected to remain in place through Monday, as frosty conditions and icy patches persist into the early part of the week. The UK Health Security Agency has issued cold weather health alerts, warning of an increased risk to vulnerable populations. Emergency measures have been introduced in London and southern England to provide additional shelter for rough sleepers.
The severe weather has disrupted major events, including Sunday’s football fixture between Liverpool FC and Manchester United at Anfield. While the match is set to go ahead following a safety meeting, officials cautioned fans to exercise care while traveling. Councils and local authorities across the UK are urging residents to prepare for ongoing disruptions and to avoid unnecessary travel. With more freezing rain forecast, conditions are expected to remain hazardous in many areas.
The Met Office predicts that freezing rain will shift northward, with milder conditions expected in southern regions by Monday. Frost and icy patches will persist, but Monday and Tuesday may bring drier weather with sunny spells and scattered wintry showers. However, temperatures will remain below average, prolonging the challenges caused by the current weather. As the nation grapples with widespread travel delays, power cuts, and health risks, authorities are urging the public to stay informed, take precautions, and prioritize safety during these extreme weather conditions.
Read Also:Severe weather alert: Heavy snow, freezing rain, power cuts expected across UK
Read Also:UK Schools may close as Met Office warns of -10°C Freeze across Britain
Read Also: New Year in UK: Nigerians gather for worship, Britons celebrate with fireworks
