A blanket of snow has enveloped much of the UK as winter weather wreaks havoc on transport and daily life. On Sunday, January 5, Preston saw significant snowfall, prompting multiple weather warnings from the Met Office. Forecasts suggested between 3-7cm of snow by the end of the day, adding to the concerns for motorists and residents alike.
National Highways reported disruptions across the road network as fog and snow created hazardous driving conditions. Major routes like the M6 remained mostly open, though visibility and safety were compromised. An amber warning of snow was issued throughout the area, indicating the potential for significant snow accumulation and icy rain.
Conditions were exacerbated by frigid temperatures, with Preston experiencing chills felt as low as -4 degrees Celsius due to biting easterly winds gusting at around 30mph. Residents were encouraged to stay indoors where possible, and the local council confirmed they were working diligently to treat priority routes even through the night.
The situation was dire across much of Yorkshire as well, with meteorological predictions estimating up to 40cm of snow falling on various towns including Sheffield, Leeds, and Bradford. An amber warning was issued encompassing larger parts of the country, raising alarm bells about power outages and transport disruptions, particularly for the elderly and those with health conditions.
Local forecaster Paul Stevens noted alarming snowfall volumes saying, "Amber warning issued for Kirklees with 5cm in towns, 15-30cm up to 300m, and 40cm for elevated areas." Transport networks were severely disrupted, with many bus services canceled across West Yorkshire.
Bradford's services were entirely recalled to the depot due to perilous conditions on the roads. Arriva reported several of their services, including those from Dewsbury and Wakefield, were suspended owing to severe weather. Metro Travel News indicated bus operations across Keighley and Halifax were halted, with Kirklees council advising residents to travel only when absolutely necessary.
The M62 motorway faced severe restrictions, with traffic down to one lane at several spots causing backlogs. Meanwhile, Leeds Bradford Airport reported disruptions to flight operations due to the heavy snowfall, cautioning travelers to verify flight status with airlines.
Numerous communities across Yorkshire shared their snowfall experiences on social media, bolstering local engagement as images of snow-laden landscapes circulated. Public services, including fire and rescue, reiterated messages on safety precautions amid the heavy snow, urging individuals to stay vigilant.