The Yorkshire region is grappling with severe winter weather, as heavy snow, high winds, and flooding lead to significant disruptions throughout the area. The M62, one of the key motorways, faced closure following snowfall, particularly affecting the stretch between Huddersfield and Saddleworth. Traffic partner, INRIX, reported, "One lane closed due to snow on M62 Eastbound from J22 A672 (Rishworth Moor) to J24 A629 (Ainley Top). Lanes one and two are open." Meanwhile, travelers have expressed concern over road conditions, with one motorist tweeting about the icy conditions: "Sketchy drive to Manchester Airport this morning. Strong winds, snow, hail, rain; the motorway's like an ice rink. Careful if you're out and about."
Earlier reports indicated snowfall had caused chaos on the motorway, leading to delays and caution for drivers. Despite the disruptions, local updates suggest the situation is improving, with INRIX confirming all lanes between Ainley Top and Rishworth Moor are now open following the clearance of snow. The A635 Holmfirth Road, known for its challenging terrain, was also reported as "passable" after some snow and strong winds affected it overnight.
Adding to the chaos, there was a reported accident at junction 23, blocking the westbound entry slip road and causing heavy traffic. The accident happened at J23 A640 New Hey Road (Huddersfield) and was noted by INRIX as contributing to the already troublesome conditions. Given the severity of the weather, Huddersfield weatherman Paul Stevens urged people to remain cautious. He warned of winds reaching 74 mph at Emley and indicated more wintery showers were likely to persist overnight.
Weather experts from the Met Office have been closely monitoring these conditions, issuing yellow weather warnings for wind across several regions, including Yorkshire. These warnings, which came effective at 7am on Saturday, will remain active until 9pm on Sunday, covering multiple areas such as Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and parts of England including Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and Hampshire.
The situation is expected to worsen as meteorologists predict another snowstorm to hit the UK shortly after Christmas. They anticipate significant flurries beginning at 6pm on December 31, just as celebrations are set to ring in the New Year. According to weather modeling from WX Charts, cities across England, including Manchester, Leeds, York, Carlisle, and Newcastle, are primed to experience significant snowfall and accumulation.
Ian Simpson, weather analyst at Netweather.tv, commented on the upcoming weather patterns, stating, "There is potential for some colder weather entering the New Year, with strong high pressure developing to the west and north-west of the UK, leading to increased chances of northerly winds. While milder phases may continue, the forecast models indicate the latter part of December won’t be as exceptionally mild as initially expected for the English Midland region."
Following the festive period, the Met Office shared its outlook for Boxing Day, characterizing the weather as mild and cloudy, albeit with the possibility of drizzle and persistent rain, particularly affecting northwest Scotland. This trend is likely to continue for several days, as established high pressure across much of the UK gradually shifts, influencing regional weather patterns.
Through the course of December, the temperatures were initially projected to be exceptionally mild. Still, as the New Year approaches, they might continue to trend closer to seasonal averages. The Met Office has also indicated the potential for localised frost and fog as clearer spells develop overnight.
Given the combination of disruptive winter weather and the forecast for more harsh conditions, authorities and meteorologists alike are emphasizing the necessity for the public to stay informed and take appropriate precautions as travel plans are made during this festive season.
