Large parts of UK hit by heavy snow (footage)
Channel: Civil Disturbia
Date: 10/12/2017

Large parts of the UK were hit by heavy snowfall on Sunday morning as temperatures dipped and the Met Office warned of widespread travel disruption.

The Met Office warned that rural communities could be cut off as roads become hazardous, with up to 20cm (8in) of snow expected in some places on Sunday.

Heavy snow is expected to fall over the Midlands and Wales in the morning, thinning into lighter showers as the day progresses.

An amber warning of snow came into force at 4am, affecting Wales, the Midlands and parts of northern and eastern England.

The Met Office said: “Road, rail and air travel delays are likely, as well as stranding of vehicles and public transport cancellations. There is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off.”

Significant traffic has already been reported in Leicestershire, Worcestershire and Bedfordshire, while snow has been falling heavily in Birmingham city centre.

Flights have been suspended at Birmingham airport while the runway is cleared, leaving passengers facing delays, while a northbound section of the M1 has been closed in Leicestershire due to numerous vehicles being stranded. Police forces in Wales and across the Midlands have urged motorists not to travel unless absolutely necessary as they deal with an increased number of calls.

Persistent heavy snowfall was expected in the region throughout the morning, leading the Met Office to issue an amber weather warning that will be in place until 6pm. Up to 10cm is expected to build up quite widely, with 15-20cm in some spots, raising the prospect of roads becoming impassable.

The amber alert was accompanied by a yellow warning of strong winds for parts of eastern England, London and the south-east, the south-west and Wales that could bring short-term loss of power and other services as well as transport disruption.

Accumulations of 10cm (4in) of snow were expected in the warning areas, while 15-20cm (6in-8in) was possible in the worst-hit areas.

Highways England issued advice for drivers travelling through the north-west and north east of England and the Midlands to check the forecast and road conditions before they travel.

It said motorists should prepare for any eventuality by carrying “warm clothing, food, drink, required medication, boots, shovel and a torch”.

Eighteen thousand homes were reconnected after losing power as a result of stormy weather on Friday, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said.

Highways England advised road users across the Midlands and northern England to check the forecast and routes before heading out as a section of the M1 was closed. The authority tweeted that traffic had stopped on the M1 northbound between J16 and J17 due to numerous breakdowns and stranded vehicles.

North Wales police, Leicestershire police and the Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) urged motorists not to travel unless absolutely necessary.

The CMPG tweeted: “Lots of snow overnight and it’s still falling, difficult driving conditions across the motorway network & region’s roads please only travel if absolutely necessary, make sure your car is fit to travel in & take extra clothes, drinks and snacks in case you get stuck or delayed.”