UK in Deep Freeze: Travel Chaos Unfolds as Temperatures Plummet to a Deadly -16C
0Travel disruptions have gripped much of the UK as severe snow and ice warnings remain in effect, with temperatures plunging to a bone-chilling -16C. The Met Office has issued multiple yellow warnings for snow and ice, causing delays to road, rail, and air travel while increasing the risk of accidents on icy surfaces.
On Thursday morning, the Met Office announced that yellow weather warnings for snow and ice would cover large swathes of the UK, initially set to expire by 11 am in most areas. However, updates later extended these warnings, with fresh yellow ice alerts issued for the Midlands, North West England, Eastern England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, lasting from 4 pm Thursday until 10 am Friday. A snow and ice warning for Scotland, initially due to end at midnight, has also been extended to the same time.
A separate yellow warning for ice will come into effect early Friday morning, covering South West England and parts of South Wales from 3 am until 11 am.
Airports and Roads Impacted
Manchester Airport faced significant disruption, announcing a temporary runway closure on Thursday morning due to heavy snowfall. “Our runways are temporarily closed due to significant levels of snow, as our teams work hard to clear them as quickly as possible,” the airport said in a statement. By 10 am, runways had reopened, but passengers were warned of ongoing delays due to the earlier closure.
“The safety of our passengers remains our top priority. Thank you for your understanding and patience,” the airport added.
Roads have also been severely affected. In Cornwall, the A30 westbound was closed Thursday morning between the A3047 junctions at Avers and Tolvaddon following a multi-vehicle collision. Emergency services were on-site as traffic built up in the area. This comes after an amber warning for snow and ice was issued in the region on Wednesday.
Devon and Cornwall Police, along with Devon County Council Highways, issued a joint statement warning drivers of road closures and long stationary periods. Snow ploughs attempting to clear the roads were caught in queues caused by minor incidents, adding to the chaos.
Warnings in Place
The Met Office has cautioned against potential injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces, as well as travel disruptions due to treacherous conditions. Yellow weather warnings remain active in the following regions from 4 pm Thursday to 10 am Friday:
- East Midlands
- North West England
- Northern Ireland
- Wales
- West Midlands
Other yellow warnings in place earlier on Thursday morning have since expired, but the ongoing icy conditions are expected to pose risks into Friday.
Coldest Night of the Year
Temperatures are predicted to drop to as low as -16C in parts of the northeast of England and Scotland, making Thursday night potentially the coldest of the year. The freezing weather adds to the challenges faced by emergency services and travelers alike.
The Met Office has urged the public to remain cautious and plan their journeys carefully, as the wintry conditions are expected to persist into the weekend.