UK weather latest: Snow closes schools and flights cancelled as more disruption forecast
UK: Arctic air sweeps across land bringing snow and ice
Heavy snowfall overnight has caused significant travel disruption across the UK today as wintry weather is expected to continue into Thursday and Friday.
Flights from several airports have been hit by delays, including Bristol Airport which has been temporarily closed for “snow clearing work” until the next 11am update.
At least 27 flights scheduled to depart from the airport on Wednesday morning have been affected, while several arrivals have been diverted to Birmingham.
Meanwhile, Gatwick Airport said some passengers experienced “minor delays” on Wednesday morning but “the airport is open and flights are operating”.
It comes as the Met Office said there was a “slight chance” that some rural communities could be “cut off”, with the likelihood of power outages and service disruptions in many places.
Snowfall and rain could continue into the weekend and possibly longer, with the possibility of “long delays and cancellations” on Thursday and Friday bus, train and air travel, the weather service said.
Schools across the UK will remain closed on Wednesday due to heavy snowfall. Parents are advised to check local authority websites for the latest information.
Latest pictures: Snow covers the M5 roadway
(PA)
(PA)
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Emily AtkinsonMarch 8, 2023 10:50 am
Temperatures in Kinbrace continue to drop
The coldest overnight temperature of the year has dropped another 0.2 degrees to minus 15.4C, according to the Met Office.
A minus 15.2C was recorded in Kinbrace in the Highlands on Tuesday night and the temperature in the region has continued to drop since, the national weather forecaster said.
Emily AtkinsonMarch 8, 2023 10:31 am
Train travelers warned of winter interruptions
Snow and ice are expected to affect train services in many parts of the UK until Friday March 10, National Rail has announced.
Passengers have been advised to check before travel if their full journey is possible.
At present, the south east services are being hit the hardest by the adverse weather conditions, with services on the Hastings, Sole Street, Bromley North, Bromley South and Hayes lines being disrupted.
Johanna Weisskopf Reports:
Emily AtkinsonMarch 8, 2023 10:06 am
Bristol Airport cancels flights amid Arctic explosion
A statement on his Twitter account said: “Bristol Airport teams are working hard on snow clearing operations but as the snow continues to fall, flight operations have been suspended until 1100.
“Passengers are advised to contact their airline for specific flight information before traveling to the airport and please exercise extra caution.”
Johanna Weisskopf has more:
Emily AtkinsonMarch 8, 2023 9:45 am
This morning’s snowfall has been well documented on social media, with shots of snow-covered rooftops and wintry panoramas dominating our feeds.
Here are some of the top posts so far:
Emily AtkinsonMarch 8, 2023 09:30
Police are urging motorists to avoid driving due to “very dangerous” conditions
Wilshire Police have urged engines to avoid all but essential driving after heavy snowfall caused “very dangerous” driving conditions overnight.
Police posted at 3.30am this morning saying:
Emily AtkinsonMarch 8, 2023 09:10
The coldest night of the year so far as temperatures drop to -15.2C
Britain has endured the coldest night of the year so far, with temperatures dipping below -15C in the Scottish Highlands, while parts of London were blanketed in snow.
Thermometers in Kinbrace in the Highlands gave overnight readings of -15.2C on Tuesday, the Met Office said – the lowest the mercury has reached all year.
A blast of arctic air means sleet and snow are expected across southern England and south Wales on Wednesday, while scattered snow and hail showers will hit Scotland’s north coast as the cold snap intensifies.
Emily AtkinsonMarch 8, 2023 9:05 am
Watch: Snow piles up over Hampshire as Arctic blast hits UK
Snow piles up over Hampshire as Arctic blast hits UK
Emily AtkinsonMarch 8, 2023 09:00
In pictures: Swimmers brave icy conditions at King Edward’s Bay near Tynemouth
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(PA)
Emily AtkinsonMarch 8, 2023 8:50 am
Mapped: where will snow fall in the UK today?
More sleet and snow is expected in southern England and south Wales on Wednesday, while scattered snow and hail showers will hit the north coast of Scotland as the Arctic blast intensifies.
The Met Office’s early morning radar showed a patch of rain moving in from the south and west, progressively turning to sleet and snow as it advanced north and east.
The conditions, which have been attributed to an arctic blast, are expected to bring more snow and ice across the UK, the Met Office said.
Thomas Kingsley takes a look at the latest cards:
Emily AtkinsonMarch 8, 2023 8:40 am