Winter chaos grips Britain: Drivers are told to only travel if necessary with forecasters warning up to 15cm of snow could fall TONIGHT as major incident is declared in Cumbria
- Snow and ice have caused widespread disruption across the UK this morning
- A man said to be living in his car was found dead with a police cordon in place
- Are YOU affected by the snowy weather? Email [email protected]
By Iwan Stone[1] and Emily Jane Davies[2]
Published: 18:29, 2 December 2023 | Updated: 21:43, 2 December 2023
Drivers have been told to only travel if necessary with forecasters warning up to 15cm of snow could fall tonight – as major incident has been declared in Cumbria.
The county’s emergency services are engaged in a multi-agency response as heavy snow wreaks havoc on their road service – with vehicles stuck in the south of the Lake District.
Julie Coldwell, who lives in the lakes, says more than 100 cars have been ditched near Windermere as she posted on social media that ‘It’s awful here’.
It comes as temperatures could drop to minus 12C overnight, as forecasters warned that 10-15cm of snow is possible in some areas on Saturday.
And the Met Office[3] are predicting the UK to be shrouded in freezing fog – with a 251-mile snowstorm that could sweep the nation tomorrow.
The forecaster said Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highland regions of Scotland were likely to see the lowest temperatures on Saturday night, with minus 12C possible in some valleys in these regions.
The county’s emergency services are engaged in a multi-agency response as heavy snow wreaks havoc on their road service – with vehicles stuck in the south of the Lake District
A person walks through snow above the Hole of Horcum at the North York Moors National Park, as scattered weather warnings for snow and ice are in place across the UK as temperatures plunged below freezing overnight
A train crosses the Viaduct in Ayrshire as central Scotland wakes up to a winter wonderland
Glasgow woke to snow scenes this morning as temperatures plunged below freezing
The Met Office issued an amber alert for snow in the north east
Police in Cumbria have warned the public to stay at home and only travel when necessary – particularly in the South Lakes and Millom areas.
Pictured: Heavy snowfall on the M6 in Cumbria
It has issued an amber warning for snow in Cumbria throughout Saturday, saying 10-15cm of snow is possible in some areas before showers begin to ease overnight
It has issued an amber warning for snow in Cumbria throughout Saturday, saying 10-15cm of snow is possible in some areas before showers begin to ease overnight.
What does an Amber Warning mean?
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for snow in Cumbria throughout Saturday. This indicates:
- Travel delays on roads are likely, which could mean some vehicles are left stranded along with their passengers
- Power cuts are likely and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
- There is a good chance that some rural communities could be cut off
- Delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely
Credit: The Met Office
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The Met Office said frequent snow showers will bring further disruption to transport and infrastructure in the north west of England.
It added there is a ‘good chance that some rural communities could become cut off’ and power cuts were likely, with the potential for other services, such as mobile phone coverage, to be affected.
Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly said: ‘Snow could be heavy at times across Cumbria with the odd rumble of thunder…
10-15cm of snow is possible before showers begin to ease overnight.
‘A low pressure system will bring less cold but more unsettled weather for southern parts of the UK from tonight onwards, although northern areas will continue (to be) cold with wintry showers and sharp overnight frosts.
‘Many areas of England and Wales can then expect spells of rain for the start of next week, which could be heavy at times with a risk of flooding. Some higher hills across parts of North Wales and northern England could see further snow.’
The Met Office has also issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice from 6pm on Saturday to 12pm on Sunday covering much of the Midlands, Yorkshire, the north east and north west of England, and North and Central Wales.
The weather service said that while not everywhere will see accumulating snow, some places are likely to see 1-3cm, with 5-10cm possible over some hills and mountains in Wales, the Peak District and South Pennines.
Police in Cumbria have warned the public to stay at home and only travel when necessary – particularly in the South Lakes and Millom areas.
The M6 southbound between J38 and J37 was blocked due to jackknifed lorries and that the A595 between Millom and Furness was impassable.
National Highways said it was also dealing with a large number of stranded vehicles on Saturday evening, particularly on the M6 between J38 and J40.
South Lakes Police have opened an ’emergency refuge space’ for those who are stuck – with accommodation and provisions available as they urge people not to try and get their in their car.
It has issued an amber warning for snow in Cumbria throughout Saturday, saying 10-15cm of snow is possible in some areas before showers begin to ease overnight
The Met Office has also issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice from 6pm on Saturday to 12pm on Sunday covering much of the Midlands, Yorkshire, the north east and north west of England, and North and Central Wales
Cumbria’s police force warned motorists to take care – as they posted a photo of one of their 4x4s in a snowy scene and said they were helping vehicles who had got stuck
A gritter lorry treats roads, with the Forth Bridge, Scotland, in the background, as snow and ice affect many parts of Scotland
The comedically-named gritters have been out in force as Scottish authorities mobilise the machines in an effort to keep the roads running
And they say the roads will ‘remain challenging’ as low temperatures continue, as the force released a list of eight roads currently shackled by the weather.
Now residents of Lake District villages are grouping together on local Facebook groups to offer safe haven to families stuck in the snow.
Superintendent Andy Wilkinson of Cumbria Constabulary said: ‘Agencies across Cumbria are working together in response to the impact that heavy snowfall is continuing to have on the county’s roads.
‘We are working at pace, to help clear roads so those currently affected can get moving.
Roads in Cumbria to avoid due to weather as county declares a ‘major incident’
- A591 Kendal – queuing traffic between the A5284 Windermere Road to Wythburn.
- A591 at Newby Bridge – queuing traffic between Newby Bridge and Windermere
- A591 Lake Road – queueing traffic between Skelwith bridge and Ambleside.
- A595 Kirkby-in-Furness – queuing traffic between Kirkby-in-Furness and Grizebeck.
- A6 Wickersgill – queueing traffic between Wickersgill to Garth Row.
- B5286 Clappersgate – queuing traffic between Clappersgate and Hawkshead
- Harras Road in Whitehaven – queuing traffic between York Terrace and Red Lonning.
- Woodhouse Road in Whitehaven – queuing traffic between the B5345 St Bees Road and Fell View Avenue.
List provided by Cumbria Constabulary
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‘I would urge anybody considering travelling in Cumbria tonight, to only do so if necessary.
The cold temperatures forecast will make road conditions even more difficult.’
The forecaster said there will probably be icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths, resulting in ‘some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces’.
It warned that some roads and railways are likely to be affected, with longer journey times by road, bus and train.
The Met Office extended a weather warning for snow and ice in Cumbria, northern Lancashire and the Scottish coast south of Dumfries.
The yellow weather warning is now in place throughout all of Saturday but covers a reduced area.
The Met Office has also issued a yellow weather warning of ice from midnight until 8am on Sunday for London, the East of England, the West Midlands and parts of South Wales.
The weather service warned that areas of rain or sleet falling on frozen surfaces may lead to icy conditions and some injuries may result from slips and falls.
It added: ‘Rain or sleet is expected to spread from west to east across the area overnight, falling on to frozen surfaces and leading to icy patches, perhaps even where treatment has been applied.’
Forecasters say the latest alert issued will cover most of the Midlands, Yorkshire and north and central Wales.
Weather maps show the possibility of snow starting in Newcastle and ending in Worcester, with roads and railways likely to be affected.
Snow could fall tonight, beginning at 3am – with some parts of the country experiencing 2cm of snow falling every hour.
The Met Office has already issued an amber alert today, warning of the risk of power cuts and more travel chaos after flights and trains were cancelled due to the freezing weather.
It put an amber warning in place for the Cumbria area until midnight, warning some rural communities may be cut off, power cuts are likely along with issues with other services such as mobile phone coverage.
It issued yellow weather warnings for parts of the country this morning as temperatures dropped as low as -10C overnight.
The Met Office has said the parts of the country may see -12C tonight, advising people to brace for the cold conditions.
Weather maps show the possibility of snow starting in Newcastle and ending in Worcester, with roads and railways likely to be affected
Snow could fall tonight, with some parts of the country experiencing 2cm of snow
The Met Office has said the parts of the country may see -12C tonight
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice covering much of the Midlands, Yorkshire and North and Central Wales from 6pm on Saturday to 12pm on Sunday
The cold conditions have caused widespread disruption across the UK today with trains and flights cancelled and events postponed due to the weather.
Parts of Britain experienced snow last night – with heavy snow in Scotland causing Glasgow[4] Airport to suspend all flights which have since resumed.
Flurries of snow also fell in the southeast and southwest of England, with icy rails causing a power failure in Kent.
This led to the Southeastern service between Dover Priory and Ramsgate to be suspended.
The weather meant Manchester United’s flight to Newcastle was cancelled[5] this morning ahead of their 8pm Premier League[6] game, forcing them to travel by coach instead.
A homeless[7] man was found dead in a car yesterday in Beeston, Nottinghamshire after freezing temperatures swept the country, with the fire brigade called to free his body from the vehicle.
Pictured: A dog walker strolls along a frozen lake in Gateshead this morning
Pictured: Snow covered a vineyard in the Kent Downs after temperatures plummeted
A sheep stands in a snow covered field in the Kent Downs today
Pictured: Saltwell Park in Gateshead earlier today
The Met Office issued yellow weather warnings for parts of the country this morning as temperatures dropped as low as -10C overnight.
Pictured: Glasgow this morning
The freezing temperatures haven’t stopped some walkers who ventured out this morning
Snow covered the Blackpool coastline this morning as the Met Office issues yellow warnings
Widespread travel disruption is being caused by the ice and snow
As snow showers continue to move in from the Irish Sea today, The Met Office has issued an Amber weather warning.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Jason Kelly, said: ‘Snow could be heavy at times across Cumbria with the odd rumble of thunder.
10-15 cm of snow is possible before showers begin to ease overnight.
‘A low pressure system will bring less cold, but more unsettled weather for southern parts of the UK from tonight onwards, although northern areas will continue cold with wintry showers and sharp overnight frosts.
‘Many areas of England and Wales areas can then expect spells of rain for the start of next week, which could be heavy at times with a risk of flooding. Some higher hills across parts of north Wales and northern England could see further snow’
The cold temperatures continue to cause issues across the country, as Nottinghamshire police cordoned off a residential road in Beeston yesterday after a man said to be living in his car was found dead at 9am.
A cordon remained through out the day and into the evening.
Neighbours commented on the incident saying they had approached the man in the past and tried to get him help to sleep somewhere warmer.
Nottinghamshire Police described the incident as ‘tragic’ but said it is not currently being treated as suspicious, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
A statement from Nottinghamshire Police said: ‘Police were called to Dallas York Road, Beeston, at around 10am (1 December) following reports of a man’s sudden death.’
A video shared on X saw police huddled around a black car covered in frost, with an ambulance parked nearby.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice covering much of the Midlands, Yorkshire and North and Central Wales from 6pm on Saturday to 12pm on Sunday.
It warned that some roads and railways are ‘likely to be affected’ by the conditions with longer journey times by road, bus and train.
Temperatures dropped as low as 11C this morning according to The Met Office
Wood pigeons fly from a tree standing in a snow covered field. Pictured: Kent Downs today
A person walks through snow above the Hole of Horcum at the North York Moors National Park
The Met Office has warned of snow, ice and freezing fog. Pictured: Kent Downs this morning
Nottinghamshire police cordoned off a residential road in Beeston yesterday after a man said to be living in his car was found dead at 9am. Pictured: police at the area yesterday
The Met Office added that there would probably be some icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths resulting in ‘some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces’.
The yellow weather warning, issued just before 9.30am on Saturday, follows others for snow and ice that have already been issued for parts of Scotland, Cumbria, the eastern coast of England and a yellow warning of ice in the South West of England.
Football fans will be disappointed as the freezing conditions means the FA Cup second round clash between Crewe and Bristol Rovers has been postponed.
This is because a pitch inspection found it was unsafe to play due to a ‘prolonged spell of sub-zero conditions’.
Crewe’s match with Bristol Rovers in the second round of the FA Cup today has been called off and rearranged for December 12, with the playing surface deemed unsafe.
A number of Scottish Professional Football League matches were likewise postponed ahead of the weekend, with Dundee United’s trip to face Morton at Cappielow called off, and the game between Ayr and Arbroath at Somerset Park.
Pictured: A goat in the snow in the North York Moors National Park today
A farmer with her cattle in the snow in the North York Moors National Park
Remarkable footage shows icy mist rolling over cliffs in Dorset
And Manchester United’s team were due to board a flight at 11am this morning ahead of their match in Newcastle but this was cancelled due to the weather.
Instead, the team will face a three-hour coach journey to Tyneside before taking on Newcastle at 8pm.
It comes after the first day of meteorological winter brought a cold snap across the UK yesterday, sparking panic among event organisers who have cancelled a raft of events including a Christmas fun run.
Several train services were cancelled or delayed due to the icy conditions, and adding to the chaos are the strikes by train drivers [8]affecting East Midlands Railway and LNER services today.
ScotRail also posted on X to warn travellers that ‘heavy snow’ is impacting their rails.
It read: ‘Heavy snow is affecting multiple routes across the West of Scotland this morning.
‘The snow is affecting some signalling systems and staff are working as quickly as possible to rectify these just now. Please check your journey prior to travelling.’
Yellow weather warnings are in place through to 11am on Saturday morning for the northern coast and southwest of Scotland, along with the southwest and the eastern coast of England.
The Met Office warned drivers and cyclists to be wary of slippery roads and said travelling by road or railway is likely to take longer due to icy patches
Yellow weather warnings are in place through to 11am on Saturday morning for the northern coast and southwest of Scotland, along with the southwest and the eastern coast of England
Lily Brown, eight, Rourke Fisher, eight, and Aurora Fisher, seven, play on the snowy sand at Blackpool beach this morning
Freezing overnight temperatures saw the lake freeze over and dog walkers enjoy the snow covered surroundings at Saltwell Park in Gateshead this morning
The Angel of the North stands surrounded by snow on a chilly start to the day
Seagulls rested on the frozen lake at Saltwell Park in Gateshead today during freezing weather
Scotland in particular had heavy snow fall over the last few days with temperatures dropping to -10C on Friday night.
This led to Glasgow Airport suspending all their flights this morning.
A post on the Glasgow Airport’s X account read: ‘Flight operations are currently suspended due to heavier than forecast snow.
‘Our winter teams have been working through the night and we hope to resume operations as soon as possible.
‘Please check with your airline for further flight updates.’
But at 10:30, a post on their social media confirmed flights are resuming.
It read: ‘Our runway is now fully operational again and we are working with our airline partners and their handlers to resume flight schedules.
‘Passengers should continue to contact their airlines for further info.
Thank you to everyone affected for their patience and understanding.’
Dale Hipkiss, National Network Manager at National Highways, said: ‘Plan ahead for your journey, check weather forecasts, and if weather conditions do become challenging whilst travelling, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.
‘If you do unfortunately find yourself in an unsafe or vulnerable situation and need assistance please contact the emergency services.
‘We have a guide to travelling in severe weather on our website.
It’s also a good idea for people to check their vehicle’s tyres, coolant and oil levels before heading out to reduce the risk of a breakdown.’
Some schools in Scotland, Durham and Cornwall have closed due to difficulties for staff and pupils getting in.
Seaham High School in County Durham posted on Facebook: ‘We have made the decision to close the school today due to not enough staff being able to get into work.
We will update soon regarding online work being made available’.
The weather has also caused disruption to events across the UK, with a firework display due to take place at Stonham Barns Park today has been cancelled due to the weather.
Organisers said: ‘Unfortunately due to the weather and the condition of our field we have decided to cancel our firework night this weekend.’
It comes after several firework displays across Suffolk were postponed or cancelled due to poor weather in November.
The official parkrun has has to cancel dozens of events this weekend due to ‘weather’ and ‘frost and ice on the course’.
Organisers of the cancelled Albert Parkrun in Middlesborough quipped that ‘the pavement allows for ice skating rather than run’.
Motoring company Driving Experience has warned drivers to brush up on their knowledge of when to use their fog lights – or face fines of GBP50.
The company said that drivers who have their fog lights on during clear weather could be issued with fines.
Temperatures plunged to their lowest since March yesterday, causing 30 schools to close or open late in Cornwall.
Several crashes were also reported on the roads in County Durham roads as a result of the snow.
References
- ^ Iwan Stone (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Emily Jane Davies (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Met Office (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Glasgow (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Manchester United’s flight to Newcastle was cancelled (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Premier League (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ homeless (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ strikes by train drivers (www.dailymail.co.uk)