A heavy snowstorm struck Yorkshire, causing widespread disruption across the region on Sunday, with significant travel issues reported and numerous weather warnings still in effect.
Weather warnings had been issued throughout Yorkshire, leading to significant problems for commuters. Train services faced cancellations, and buses, trams, and roads were rendered impassable due to the thick snow. Particularly hard hit was Leeds Bradford Airport, which had to close its runway for more than six hours before finally reopening around 2 p.m. A spokesperson for the airport noted, "Due to a backlog of departing flights, some disruption is expected to continue throughout the day," urging passengers to check with their airlines for the latest updates.
The impact of the snowstorm extended beyond travel as thousands of homes experienced power outages. Northern Powergrid reported about 1,800 customers still without electricity by Sunday afternoon, with many areas suffering from freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. Yorkshire Water faced issues as well, with reports of water pressure drops affecting customers.
National Highways had issued severe weather alerts for England, warning residents of the potential accumulation of up to 25 centimeters (10 inches) of snow significantly affecting roads. Multiple major roads were closed, especially those traversing northern England, with drivers encountering challenging conditions. Lee, one driver stuck on the M1 near Barnsley, described the situation as "absolute carnage," stating, "There's police, there's lorry recovery trucks getting stuck trying to pull lorries out, there's cars getting stuck." The police had to mobilize resources to help rescue stranded drivers, such as those on the A64 and A1.
Emergency services, including mountain rescue teams, worked against the odds to provide relief to locals. Reporters from BBC Look North followed members of the Calder Valley Search and Rescue team as they navigated the treacherous conditions to deliver antibiotics to individuals isolated by the snow. Karen Taylor, the district nurse, expressed gratitude upon arriving, as one patient, Wayne Duffey, recovering from knee surgery, had fears of missing his much-needed medication. "This morning I was panicking," he expressed, thanking the rescue team for their timely assistance.
Events scheduled across Yorkshire were also heavily affected, with several cancellations occurring due to safety concerns. The Round Sheffield Run was called off, and the basketball game between the Braun Sheffield Sharks and the London Lions was postponed. These cancellations were part of broader safety measures as venues such as the Piece Hall and Yorkshire Sculpture Park were closed. A statement on their websites kept patrons informed, emphasizing the need for public safety.
Despite the chaos, some community members managed to turn the adverse weather to their advantage. A group of cold water swimmers known as the January Daily Dippers continued their daily challenge, swimming outdoors to raise money for the homeless charity Crisis. Louise Studd, one of the participants, noted the beauty of the snow and its harshness as they continued their vigil for those without safe shelter.
The Met Office warned residents to brace for continued snow and freezing rain events, stating, "While some areas may see lighter conditions by Sunday afternoon, another cold front is expected to bring more snow and sub-zero temperatures by Monday." The warnings highlighted the unpredictability of the weather, causing concerns for vulnerable populations.
The cold spells have raised alarms about public health, especially for the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. UK Health Security Agency has issued cold weather health alerts across England, urging residents to take precautionary measures during the frigid conditions.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, urging individuals only to travel when absolutely necessary due to hazardous conditions. Mayor Tracy Brabin expressed her disappointment over the impact of snowfall on public transport but also encouraged the community to look after its neighbors.
West Yorkshire Police joined National Highways urging residents to remain safe, reiteratively insisting on minimal travel as conditions deteriorated. Road closures persisted for much of the day, with many drivers reporting treacherous driving conditions and delays anticipated well beyond Sunday.
This significant snowstorm serves as another reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter weather. Local authorities have been commended for their swift responses, but the challenges remain extensive as the community grapples with the aftermath of this wintry assault.