Manchester Airport resumes operations but warns of delays as the UK battles severe snow and ice conditions.
Manchester Airport has reopened its runways after closing temporarily due to “significant levels of snow.” However, passengers are still being advised to expect potential delays as freezing conditions continue to affect travel across the UK.
Freezing Cold Disrupts UK Travel
Commuters and travellers face tough conditions as icy roads and travel disruptions persist following another night of plummeting temperatures. The Met Office has issued fresh weather warnings, predicting snow and ice across southern England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and northern Scotland.
With temperatures expected to drop as low as -16°C on Thursday night, the disruptive cold spell has already brought significant snowfall and widespread flood alerts. Heavy rain and melting snow have further intensified the situation, leading to likely disruptions in road and rail travel.
Areas Under Weather Warnings
Three key warnings are currently in place across the UK:
- A yellow warning for snow and ice in northern Scotland until midnight on Thursday.
- Two yellow warnings for snow and ice in effect until 11:00 GMT across western Wales, north-west England, south-west England, and Northern Ireland.
On Wednesday, Tulloch Bridge in the Highlands recorded the lowest temperature overnight, reaching -12.4°C (9.68°F). Other areas, including Shap in Cumbria (-11°C), Sennybridge in Powys (-7.8°C), and Castlederg in County Tyrone (-7.3°C), also experienced teeth-chattering lows.
Notably, the winter’s coldest night occurred earlier this week, with a bone-chilling -13.3°C recorded at Loch Glascarnoch on Sunday night into Monday morning.
Commuters Facing Chaos on Roads and Railways
The icy weather has created havoc for commuters nationwide. Drivers in Devon and Cornwall were left stranded on Wednesday when heavy snow caused road closures. Michael, a motorist stuck in the chaos, shared his experience with BBC Radio Devon, saying, “We drove for just under an hour when the traffic came to a standstill in very heavy snow. We turned around… but we’ve moved only 100 yards in three-and-a-half hours.”
Gritters in these regions are now fitted with ploughs to help clear traffic routes as they work round the clock.
Similarly, rail and bus travel have been significantly impacted. Northern and Great Western Railway services are experiencing poor conditions, while speed restrictions and closures are in place across Merseyrail and ScotRail routes. Transport for Wales has reported track damage due to the weather, with some services suspended and buses replacing trains on certain routes.
Flood Warnings and School Closures
The wintry weather has also triggered nearly 80 school closures across Wales, with the majority in Conwy County. Further closures have been reported in Devon, Yorkshire, and Aberdeenshire, disrupting education across England and Scotland.
Additionally, widespread flooding in recent days has resulted in numerous flood warnings across England, with one flood alert—signaling possible flooding—in South Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Health Risks Amid Amber Cold Weather Alert
An amber cold weather health alert remains in place for all of England until Sunday, highlighting the significant health impacts of freezing weather conditions, including a rise in deaths.
The RAC, a UK-based car insurer, reported its highest demand for vehicle rescues in a three-day period since December 2022, with spokesperson Alice Simpson warning, “Cold conditions will last until at least the weekend, so we urge drivers to remain vigilant of the risks posed by ice and, in some locations, snow.”
What's Next?
While the weekend promises slightly milder weather conditions, the current cold spell continues to disrupt daily life across the UK. Authorities are urging the public to remain cautious while travelling and to stay updated on weather advisories.