Heavy snow and freezing rain swept through the UK over the weekend, causing significant disruption to air travel and daily life. The Met Office issued multiple weather warnings as the biting cold affected travel across various regions. The first amber warning, which signifies potential disruption, was enforced starting Saturday evening and continued until Sunday midday, covering most of Wales and central England. Temperatures plummeted to as low as -8.6C, reported Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, making conditions treacherous for drivers.
Alongside the snow, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a Cold-Health Alert, cautioning the public about the increased health risks posed by the severe weather. "Stay warm and keep your homes heated," officials advised, as they emphasized the need for residents to be mindful of the cold.
The impact on travel was immediate and severe, particularly at Bristol Airport, where operations were suspended due to heavy snowfall. The airport faced numerous cancellations and rerouted flights as adverse weather led to significant operational challenges. "The Bristol Airport team are working hard on snow clearing but challenging weather means flight operations have been suspended until later tonight," said a spokesperson for the airport. Relatively high elevation at around 200 metres above sea level exacerbated the situation for air traffic, causing delays, like the five-hour postponement for the 6am KLM flight to Amsterdam.
Despite being outside the Met Office’s amber weather warning area, Bristol still faced disruptions. Among the more notable issues was the grounding of Ryanair’s 8.55am flight to Alicante. Many passengers expressed frustration at the chaos over the weekend, culminating from both the snow and the ensuing response from airlines. Those planning to travel on Sunday were advised to check with their carriers due to anticipated continued delays and cancellations.
Also affected were rail services, particularly around Devon, Wiltshire, and Shropshire. Great Western Railway announced delays of up to thirty minutes for some trains and warned of cancellations stemming from the weather. A landslip blocked the rail link between Shrewsbury and Chester, prompting bus services to take over. Local authorities did their best to manage the winter conditions with varying levels of success.
Police across regions such as Avon and Somerset urged the public only to travel if necessary due to significant road disruptions resulting from snow and ice. They posted advisories on social media, warning, "Weather warnings are in place with snow and ice affecting the region. There is significant road disruption, particularly in parts of Somerset. Please only travel if necessary." Their admonishment came after reports of multiple incidents involving vehicles sliding off the road.
Conditions led to collision reports on major motorways. Notably, traffic was halted on the M5 southbound between Bridgwater and Taunton amid snow warnings. With the situation rapidly changing and hazardous conditions being reported, drivers were discouragingly turning back or getting stuck, causing long delays and frustrations.
To combat the adverse weather, local authorities were working tirelessly to clear roads, aiding emergency services and ensuring public safety. The difficult conditions tested the preparedness of local agencies and underscored the importance of heeding weather warnings, especially during sudden winter storms.
Families and individuals across the UK faced challenges during this wintry onset, adapting to the extensive disruptions of both their travel plans and daily routines. Some took advantage of the snow to enjoy winter activities, but many more were left grappling with the inconveniences. Copper-bottomed when winter strikes with gusto, residents were reminded of the necessity for vigilance and readiness.
Expectations for the days following the storm indicate potential melting of the snow as temperatures slowly rise but emergency services continue to advise caution. The safety messages reiterate the importance of remaining indoors where possible to avoid treacherous road conditions.
Residents are left hoping for brighter skies and warmer conditions sooner rather than later. With the first weekend of 2025 marked by chaos due to heavy snow and freezing rain, many will certainly recall this episode as one of the unexpected jolts of winter for the New Year.