Heavy snow leaves homes without power
Heavy Snow Disrupts Travel and Power Across Britain
Heavy snowfall has led to widespread disruption across the UK, affecting transport services, flights, and power supplies. Several airports were forced to close their runways, and power outages left thousands of homes without electricity. The extreme weather conditions, including freezing temperatures, have prompted authorities to issue multiple weather warnings and urged the public to take caution.
Major Disruption at Airports
Britain's airports were among the worst-hit by the snowstorm. Both Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon Airports saw significant delays and cancellations as flights were grounded for several hours due to runway closures. Although the airports later reopened their runways, they warned passengers of continued delays throughout the day.
Elsewhere, other major airports, including Bristol and Birmingham, also temporarily suspended operations. Leeds Bradford Airport had hoped to reopen by midday, but snow accumulation forced them to keep the runway closed until further notice. Passengers were advised to stay updated on their flight statuses by checking directly with their airlines.
Train Services Halted
In addition to air travel disruptions, train services were severely impacted. Passengers of Northern Rail and TransPennine Express were strongly advised to avoid travel. The two operators issued a "do not travel" warning due to the ongoing weather conditions, which had caused delays and potential hazards on the tracks. This warning was applicable across much of Northern England, where yellow and amber weather warnings were in place.
Train routes such as those between Leeds and Halifax, as well as Darlington and Bishop Auckland, saw delays, with further disruptions expected into Monday. Similarly, TransPennine Express reported delays on its routes between Manchester, Huddersfield, and Preston. The overall impact on the rail network was significant, and passengers were reminded to check if they were entitled to compensation or the option to use their tickets at a later date.
Road Closures and Travel Disruptions
Snow and ice also caused severe disruptions on the roads. Several major highways were shut down due to accidents, stranding vehicles, and hazardous conditions. The A1M southbound in County Durham was temporarily closed after several vehicles became stuck in the snow. Another major incident occurred on the M180 in Lincolnshire, where a serious collision led to the closure of the westbound lanes between Grimsby and Lincoln. Similarly, the A303 near Andover in Hampshire was shut down following an overturned vehicle.
In addition to accidents, icy conditions posed a significant risk to drivers. The A66 in County Durham and Cumbria was closed as authorities warned that rain could freeze on the road surface and create a serious hazard. Snowfall caused further complications, with the A628 Woodhead Pass, a vital route connecting Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire, also closed due to snow.
Power Outages and Emergency Services
The National Grid faced significant challenges as heavy snow, freezing rain, and high winds caused power outages across the Midlands, South-West England, and South Wales. Areas such as Birmingham, Bristol, and Cardiff were among those affected, with thousands of homes left without electricity. The National Grid confirmed that efforts were underway to restore power, but it would take time to resolve the outages fully.
The widespread power cuts led to additional concerns, as the extreme cold temperatures made the situation even more dangerous for vulnerable communities. Authorities were urging people to check on elderly neighbors and others who may be at risk during the cold snap.
Flood Warnings and Weather Alerts
The snowstorm was not the only concern. The Environment Agency issued several flood warnings, indicating that flooding was expected in parts of southern England. Rivers such as the River Taw and the River Avon in Devon were at risk of overflowing, and flood alerts were also in place across much of the region, stretching from Cornwall to East Sussex.
The Met Office issued an amber weather warning, forecasting continued snow accumulation and heavy showers in northern England. West Yorkshire, for example, saw up to 17cm of snow, with further heavy snow expected to fall throughout the day. Conditions in the Scottish Highlands were even more extreme, with temperatures plummeting to -11.1C. The cold front and snow were expected to move northward, affecting southern Scotland later in the day.
A new yellow warning for rain was also in place for southern England, extending from Cornwall to Kent. The rain, which could mix with snow in certain areas, was expected to create additional challenges for both road and rail travel. The Met Office forecasted that the snow would continue to cause problems in the coming days, with conditions worsening in higher altitudes.
Health Alerts and Emergency Measures
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued cold weather health alerts for all of England, warning that the extreme cold could increase the risk of illness and even death, particularly for vulnerable individuals. Amber alerts, which signal that there is an increased likelihood of adverse health outcomes, were issued ahead of a week of very low temperatures.
Local authorities, particularly in London and southern England, activated emergency measures to help protect vulnerable people. Additional accommodation and support services were put in place for rough sleepers to ensure they remained safe during the cold snap. Public health officials also reminded residents to take precautions to avoid cold-related illnesses, such as hypothermia.
Sports and Public Events Affected
The inclement weather has also impacted various sporting fixtures. Matches in League Two, including Cheltenham’s clash with Walsall and others such as Chesterfield vs Gillingham and Fleetwood Town vs AFC Wimbledon, were called off due to the conditions. Despite the severe weather, the highly anticipated Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United was set to go ahead, after safety meetings were held to assess the viability of the event.
Looking Ahead
As of Sunday evening, the amber and yellow weather warnings remained in place, and authorities urged the public to continue to monitor the situation closely. The snow and freezing rain were expected to continue through the night, making travel conditions hazardous and causing further disruptions.
The Met Office warned that the cold snap was likely to persist into the coming week, with temperatures staying low across much of the UK. Those planning to travel or undertake outdoor activities were advised to take extra precautions and stay informed about the latest updates from the authorities.
In the meantime, the focus remains on restoring power, keeping transportation routes open, and ensuring the safety and well-being of the public during this challenging winter weather event.
About the Creator
Noor
A quietly passionate enthusiast, subtly motivated by both truth and story, weaving narratives with a delicate touch. Always seeking the balance between reality and imagination, their words unfold with quiet purpose.
Himalayas Bare and Rocky After Reduced Winter Snowfall, Scientists Warn
The Himalayas, often described as the world’s “Third Pole,” are facing a dramatic and worrying transformation. Scientists are warning that reduced winter snowfall is leaving vast stretches of the mountain range bare, rocky, and increasingly vulnerable to long-term environmental damage. Once known for their thick snow blankets and powerful glaciers, parts of the Himalayas are now showing exposed rock earlier than ever before—an alarming sign of climate stress in one of Earth’s most critical ecosystems. A Visible Change in the World’s Highest Mountains Winter snowfall plays a vital role in the Himalayan climate system. Snow acts as a protective layer, insulating glaciers and regulating the slow release of meltwater into rivers during warmer months. However, researchers monitoring satellite data and ground stations report that recent winters have brought significantly less snowfall across large areas of the range. As a result, snowlines are rising higher up the slopes, leaving lower and mid-altitude regions exposed. This has turned once-white mountain landscapes into expanses of dark rock, which absorb more heat from the sun, accelerating warming in a dangerous feedback loop. Why Reduced Snowfall Matters Snow is more than a scenic feature—it is essential to the health of Himalayan glaciers. When snowfall declines, glaciers lose their main source of replenishment. At the same time, exposed ice and rock melt faster under direct sunlight. Scientists warn that this imbalance is speeding up glacier retreat across the Himalayas. Many glaciers are now shrinking at rates not previously recorded, threatening the long-term stability of water systems that support nearly two billion people across South and Southeast Asia. Impact on Asia’s Major Rivers The Himalayas feed some of the world’s most important rivers, including the Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra, Yangtze, and Mekong. These rivers depend on seasonal snow and ice melt to maintain consistent flow throughout the year. Reduced snowfall means less stored water for the dry season. In the short term, faster melting can cause floods and landslides. In the long term, however, shrinking glaciers could lead to water shortages, affecting agriculture, hydropower, and drinking supplies across multiple countries. A Growing Risk of Disasters Bare, rocky slopes are far more unstable than snow-covered ones. Snow helps bind loose material together, while exposed rock and soil increase the likelihood of landslides and avalanches. Scientists have already observed a rise in slope failures and glacial lake outburst floods in the region. As glaciers retreat, meltwater often accumulates in fragile lakes dammed by loose rock and ice. These lakes can burst suddenly, releasing destructive floods that threaten mountain communities and downstream infrastructure. Climate Change at the Core Researchers agree that climate change is the primary driver behind the declining snowfall. Rising global temperatures are altering weather patterns, causing more winter precipitation to fall as rain rather than snow. Even small temperature increases at high altitudes can drastically change how moisture behaves. Additionally, warming oceans and shifting atmospheric circulation are affecting the timing and intensity of winter storms that traditionally brought snow to the Himalayas. Effects on Local Communities and Wildlife Mountain communities that rely on predictable snowfall for farming, tourism, and water storage are already feeling the effects. Farmers report changes in planting cycles, while winter tourism has declined in some regions due to unreliable snow conditions. Wildlife is also under pressure. Species adapted to cold environments are losing habitat as snow cover shrinks. Plants that depend on snowmelt are struggling to survive in drier, warmer conditions, disrupting fragile alpine ecosystems. Scientists Call for Urgent Monitoring and Action Experts stress the importance of improved monitoring of snowfall, glacier health, and water flows across the Himalayan region. Better data can help governments plan for future water management challenges and disaster risks. At the same time, scientists emphasize that local adaptation alone is not enough. Reducing global greenhouse gas emissions remains critical to slowing temperature rise and preserving what remains of the Himalayan snow and ice. What the Future Holds If current trends continue, large parts of the Himalayas could see permanent changes within decades. Reduced snowfall and accelerating glacier loss may reshape landscapes, ecosystems, and human livelihoods on an unprecedented scale. The sight of bare, rocky Himalayan slopes is more than a visual change—it is a warning signal. The world’s highest mountains are responding rapidly to a warming planet, and the consequences will extend far beyond the peaks themselves.
By Fiazahmedbrohi 2 days ago in Earth
Biochar: Unlocking the Potential for Climate Change Mitigation and Carbon Markets
Biochar is created through the process of pyrolysis, where organic materials such as agricultural waste, wood, or even certain types of plastic are heated in the absence of oxygen. This process breaks down the biomass into three main products: gas, liquid (bio-oil), and solid carbon-rich residue—biochar. Unlike organic matter that decomposes naturally, releasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere, biochar locks carbon in a stable form that can persist in the soil for hundreds or even thousands of years.
By Bestonpyrolysis5 days ago in Earth
Getting Serious About Comedy (Part I)
If I were asked to remark on my life and the childhood that paved some road leading me to this point, I would have to say something about all the funny people who surrounded me for the last 26,872 days (and counting). Somewhere along that road, I became a big fan of laughter and the comedy that spawns it – and, I mean not only my own laughter, but the laughter of others, some of which I have actually been responsible for inducing.
By John Oliver Smith5 days ago in Humor
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.