Travel chaos is continuing on the first Monday of the new year as weather warnings for snow, ice, and rain remain in force across much of the UK.
Heavy snowfall and icy conditions have wreaked havoc, with major delays at airports and significant travel disruption across road and rail networks.
The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings, highlighting areas from Land's End to John O'Groats, urging people to brace for adverse conditions. According to the Environment Agency, there were 173 flood warnings, indicating flooding is expected, alongside 304 flood alerts across England by 9am on Monday.
Airports have faced significant challenges since the severe winter weather began over the weekend. Manchester Airport, the country's third-busiest airport, reopened its runways on Monday morning after closures due to heavy snow. Despite this, arrivals and departures continue to face delays.
Passenger complications also arose at Leeds Bradford Airport, which was forced to close its runway until around 2pm on Monday due to heavy snowfall. A spokesperson expressed gratitude to the staff for their tireless work clearing snow, stating, "A huge thank you to our customers for their continued patience and our teams on the ground who have worked tirelessly to clear the snow." Meanwhile, security screening is set to close at 10:45pm, requiring passengers to arrive early.
On the roads, the adverse weather conditions led to numerous closures, including the A628 Woodhead Pass, where closures occurred because of snow. Major highways suffered from crashes and vehicles getting stuck. National Highways reported major delays, particularly affecting the M25, where significant traffic jams ensued due to accidents.
Rail services across the UK experienced widespread disruption, with train operators like LNER and Northern urging passengers not to travel. Many routes have been suspended due to weather conditions preventing bus replacement services from running, especially across the Pennines and North West. Passengers on affected routes have been encouraged to defer their journeys or, if tickets were already purchased, to utilize them on particularly slow days.
The impact hasn't been limited to transport; the cold snap has boosted flooding alerts, with key routes at risk from expected downpours and the melting of previously fallen snow. Police are advising against driving through floodwater, with areas like the M5 and A46 already impacted by floods due to adverse weather conditions.
The temperatures took a drastic drop during the weekend, with the Met Office reporting the coldest night of winter so far, where the temperature fell to -13.3°C at Loch Glascarnoch, Scotland. No part of the UK was unaffected, as freezing rain and snow were widespread, resulting in dangerous conditions for commuters.
Reports indicate more snow is expected this week, which could lead to additional disruptions. The Met Office cautioned, "Cold air is expected to return and remain across the whole country," indicating potential for widespread frost and ice.
Airports are bracing for potential weather challenges, implementing extensive snow plans. Gatwick Airport revealed it has preparations in place, with teams known as "polar bears" on standby for snow clearance. They have ensured adequate supplies, stating, "We have 4,000 blankets and we opened sleeping areas if needed to assist those affected by prolonged delays due to weather."
The airport claims to be ready with resources to handle increased passenger needs should flight cancellations be necessary.
For many travelers, the fallout from this relentless winter weather presents challenges as they navigate through the chaos. Authorities encourage keeping up with local traffic updates and weather advisories. With the latest warning from the Met Office signaling continued snow and rain, the public is steered to make informed travel choices.