UK weather latest: Snow hits large parts of UK; more than 100 schools closed; travel disruption expected

Opinion

By admin On Jan 16, 2024

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09:17:42 Are you affected by the snow and cold?

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11:12:01 Merseyside Police horses enjoy the snow

Merseyside Police’s mounted section has been horsing around in the snow this morning…

11:03:44 How to prepare for driving in the snow

Drivers in parts of the UK set off on snowy roads this morning after a freezing night.

Snowy conditions can make driving a challenge and increase the risk of an accident (as noted in our previous post).

Driving with snow on your car could even land you with a fine in some situations – so how can you prepare for driving in the wintry weather?

RAC has these tips…

Give yourself more time for your journey

Set aside more time than usual before you leave to clear your windows, mirrors lights and the top of your roof for snow.

De-ice your windscreen and carry a lock de-icer with you to make sure you don’t get stuck in the elements.

Check your windscreen wipers before you start

Make sure your auto wiper control is off before switching the car one as it could blow the fuse if they are frozen to the screen. Make sure your wipers are in good working order.

Check your tyres

Ensure your tyres have adequate tread, as worn-down tyres will not grip the road properly on snow and ice.

If you live in an area where snow is common it might be worth changing to winter tyres with deeper tread.

Check your screenwash

The RAC encourages drivers to use a good quality screenwash that protects down to at least -35C to prevent the water from freezing.

Pack for the worst

If you’re expecting severe weather, your car should be equipped for every eventuality, the RAC says.

Recommended items include a demisting pad, torch, hi-vis vest, blanket, some food and drink, a spare screenwash and de-icer, ice scraper, blanket shovel, phone charger, map and first aid kit.

10:40:02 Police dealing with ‘number of incidents’ including stuck HGV

Police forces in the North West are reporting multiple incidents on the roads amid the snowy and icy conditions.

Merseyside’s roads policing unit said it was dealing with “a number of incidents” including a HGV stuck on the M57 southbound.

Meanwhile, Lancashire Police says there have been an “influx of road traffic collisions” across the county.

“Please be mindful of the conditions and adjust your driving accordingly,” the roads unit said.

10:26:01 In pictures: People go sledging in Liverpool

Dozens of people have grabbed their sledges and taken advantage of the snowy weather at Camp Hill in Liverpool.

More than 30 schools are closed in the city, which woke up to a winter wonderland today after temperatures plummeted.

10:13:01 How is the rest of the week’s weather looking?

“Bitterly cold” for the most part, says Met Office chief meteorologist Andy Page.

Where and how much snow we get will vary throughout the week and weather warnings could change quickly, he says, but the overall picture spells a perpetual chill.

Mr Page said: “There will be widespread frost this week and we could see some fairly deep laying snow in parts of northern UK and strong winds could result in drifting or blizzard conditions at times.

“The snow and ice will be disruptive and could potentially impact travel plans, make driving dangerous and pavements slippery.

“It will feel bitterly cold with daytime temperatures in the low single figures for many, and overnight temperatures will fall to -3 or -4C in many towns and cities, and it will be even colder in many rural areas.”

Forecasters say there is the potential for some snow in southern England mid-week as a low-pressure system moves across northern France.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Nick Silkstone said the track of the system has “small but all-important uncertainties” in northern areas – and has the potential to bring some snow to southern England.

“However, our preferred solution suggests minimal snowfall – a couple of cm at most – across parts of the extreme South of England in association with this system, but we are keeping an eye on how things develop.”

09:58:01 Your pictures and videos of this morning’s snow

Many of you have been sending in your photos and footage of the snow which has covered swathes of the North West today.

Cars were having to drive at a snail’s pace along a road in Wigan amid the wintry weather. John Barrington, who shared the video below, said he saw drivers struggling to make it up the hill…

Meanwhile, homes, roads and cars were completely covered in snow in Preston and Manchester this morning…

Keep your photos coming! Details of how to share are in the pinned post at the top of the blog.

09:42:26 More than 100 schools closed in Scotland

More than 100 schools are closed across Scotland today due to the weather.

There were 22 closures in Aberdeenshire, with almost all other schools opening late, facing transport issues or partially closed.

In the Highlands, 75 schools were closed while others were partially closed or had later openings.

And in Shetland, 26 schools were closed.

In England, at least 35 schools are closed in Merseyside, according to the Liverpool Echo, while several are closed in Manchester.

09:28:38 Temperatures fell as low as -10C on Monday

The Met Office has revealed Monday’s “extremes” after a blast of Arctic air pulled temperatures down as the week began.

Tulloch Bridge, in the Scottish Highlands, saw the lowest temperature of -10C, while the highest temperature (8.2C) was clocked at St Mary’s Airport on the Isles of Scilly.

Exeter Airport saw the most sunshine (nearly eight hours), while the most rainfall fell in an area of the Outer Hebrides.

09:09:18 Watch: Winter wonderland in Macclesfield

People in Macclesfield are among thousands in the North West enjoying a blanket of snow this morning.

The area had already seen significant snowfall by 6am, according to this video by resident Lynsey…

Snow fell in the area for hours, with Lynsey capturing this winter wonderland scene just after 8am…

Videos: @ShesfromWales/Twitter

08:54:09 Frozen lakes and cold water shock – London Fire Brigade issues warning

London Fire Brigade has issued an urgent cold weather warning of its own, urging people to stay away from frozen water.

The plea this morning tells people to warn children of the dangers posed by iced over water and to call 999 if they see someone in trouble, rather than attempting to rescue them.

The LFB has also shared guidance on how to cope with cold water shock if you end up falling into water.

Cold water shock, it explains, “can cause your body to go into shock no matter how fit you are, causing panic, anxiety, disorientation and loss of muscular control”.

“These reactions can also cause you to gasp for air resulting in water being inhaled,” it adds.

Here’s how it says to manage the effects of cold water shock:

Don’t try to swim off straight away. The initial effects of cold water pass in less than a minute, so take a minute before moving;Relax and float on your back to catch your breath;Try to get hold of something that will help you float;Call for help and after taking a minute to calm yourself, swim for safety if you’re able to.

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