The United Kingdom was thrown into disarray this weekend as an Arctic blast delivered heavy snow, freezing rain, and ice, wreaking havoc on roads, halting transportation, and causing widespread power outages.
Overnight snowfall led to the closure of several airport runways this morning, with up to 16 inches of snow expected in some regions.
Severe weather warnings issued by the Met Office now cover parts of the Midlands, Wales, and much of northern England.
Both Manchester and Liverpool airports suspended runway operations earlier today due to the snowy conditions, sharing updates via social media.
Birmingham Airport, after clearing its runway, has reopened but advised passengers to confirm flight details with their airlines.
Bristol Airport, which reopened at 11 PM following a temporary shutdown, cautioned travelers about potential delays caused by displaced aircraft.
Road conditions have also been severely impacted. National Highways issued warnings of up to 25cm of snow in northern England, leading to the closure of critical routes such as the A628 Woodhead Pass and the A66 between the M6 and A1M.
Ice has compounded the situation in higher altitudes like the Cotswolds and Peak District.
Newcastle awoke to its first snowfall of the year, as residents braced against freezing temperatures.
By 7 AM, icy conditions had already caused a collision near the Quayside. In nearby Gateshead, the Angel of the North was blanketed in white, providing a striking contrast against the gray skies.
In Devon, rain has triggered flood warnings for the River Taw and River Torridge, adding to the challenges.
The National Grid reported extensive power outages on Saturday across the Midlands, South Wales, and southwest England, though resilience teams worked overnight to restore services in many affected areas.
Rail travel has not escaped disruption. Flooding and landslides have shut the line between Inverness and Dingwall in Scotland, while other northern routes face significant delays.
Health authorities issued cold-weather alerts nationwide, urging precautions. The NHS Black Country care board advised avoiding travel during frosty early mornings and nights, while the Wye Valley NHS Trust recommended stocking up on essentials and securing homes against drafts.
Despite the frigid conditions, revelers in Leeds hit the town without coats, defying the biting cold.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Wes Streeting advised Britons to “layer up and ensure their heating is on,” emphasizing the heightened risks posed by plunging temperatures. “This is a weekend to wrap up and keep warm, to take sensible precautions about going out and about,” he told BBC Breakfast.
The Met Office forecasts additional snow and freezing rain across Wales, the Midlands, and northern England, with temperatures plummeting to -8.6°C in Aberdeenshire overnight.
Although southern areas may briefly experience highs of 7°C, wind chill will keep conditions biting.
Further snowfall, up to 40cm, is predicted for higher elevations, with amber weather warnings remaining in place until Sunday afternoon.
Yellow warnings extend across most of England, Wales, and parts of Scotland, highlighting persistent travel risks.
In the Lake District, tragedy struck as a walker fell 70 meters from Sharp Edge on Blencathra, marking Keswick Mountain Rescue’s first callout of the year. Despite efforts from rescue teams, the man succumbed to his injuries.
“Our thoughts and condolences go to the man’s family and friends,” the team shared on Facebook.
With snow, ice, and freezing rain expected to linger, the Met Office predicts hazardous conditions will extend into next week.
