Leeds is bracing for severe winter weather this weekend, as forecasts of heavy snow and icy conditions prompt local authorities to issue urgent warnings and adjust service schedules. The Met Office upgraded its weather warnings, declaring amber alerts for both snow and ice, which are expected to significantly disrupt normal activities throughout the city.
Due to the extreme weather expected from the evening of Saturday, January 4, and lasting until noon on Sunday, January 5, Leeds City Council has announced the postponement of all refuse collections originally scheduled for Sunday. Residents are now asked to hold off on presenting their bins until the rescheduled collection on Sunday, January 12. This change is not just about service delays; it’s primarily about prioritizing safety. By keeping 60 large collection vehicles off the road, the council aims to mitigate risks posed by treacherous conditions.
The council’s statement emphasized this priority, stating: "Due to the extreme weather expected overnight, refuse collections... have been postponed. The safety of staff and the public is of utmost importance, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused by these unexpected changes." The postponement is particularly significant during this time of year, as many households are likely to have extra refuse following the festive season.
The amber warning for snow is expected to result in 3-7 centimeters falling across Leeds, with the risk of transport disruptions anticipated. The Met Office has warned of potential travel delays, interruptions to mobile phone coverage, and even power supply issues as the weight of the snow affects infrastructure. The yellow weather warning, which began at noon on Saturday, intensified due to forecasts predicting even more severe conditions.
Local services are adapting to the anticipated weather shifts. Community facility Bramley Baths has announced it will open later on Sunday, shifting its hours to 11 AM. Their statement reflects concern for visitor safety, urging patrons to check their social media for any last-minute updates before heading out. The situation is fluid, and decisions are being made on the ground as conditions evolve.
Power supply company Northern Powergrid has also issued warnings alerting customers to potential disruptions. Their teams are prepared to respond 24/7, ready to leap to action to restore power as needed and to conduct repairs as the weather affects equipment. They are reinforcing their communication strategies, encouraging community members to join their Priority Services Membership for added support during outages.
On the weather front, Saturday is expected to start dry but turn cloudy by the evening with heavy snow accumulating after 10 PM. Sunday will bring even more challenging conditions, with heavy snow transitioning to sleet and rain as the day progresses, with temperatures hovering around freezing.
Weather experts and local authorities have echoed the importance of staying updated on conditions and taking necessary precautions. The UK Health Security Agency has issued a cold weather alert effective until January 8, urging the community to be particularly mindful of vulnerable populations who may be affected by the harsh conditions.
Officials are notifying residents not just about delays and possible service interruptions but also about the larger picture presented by the weather conditions. It is possible rural communities might become completely cut off as snow affects roads and rail networks, raising concerns for access and safety for those living outside urban areas.
Further complicate issues, falling trees and damage to power infrastructure could lead to prolonged outages. The advice remains clear: stay informed, check the weather updates regularly, and heed local authorities' warnings.
Winter weather can create both beauty and chaos, and this upcoming weekend may encapsulate both. Leeds residents are encouraged to be cautious, prepare for potential delays, and maintain open lines of communication with local services. The continued response and vigilance of the local council and community organizations demonstrate the importance of collective action as the winter weather impacts daily life.