The tale of woes in the United Kingdom continued on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, as severe winter weather, with heavy snowfall, ice, and flooding caused significant disruptions nationwide.
The adverse conditions led to the temporary closure of several major airports.
Manchester, Liverpool John Lennon, Bristol, and Aberdeen airports suspended all flights to clear snow and ice from runways, affecting thousands of passengers.
While some airports resumed operations later in the day, travellers were advised to check flight statuses and exercise caution when travelling to airports.
Road and rail networks also experienced chaos. Major roads were closed, and railway lines were blocked, leading to significant delays and cancellations.
Commuters faced hazardous driving conditions, and authorities urged the public to avoid non-essential travel.
In addition to snow and ice, severe flooding impacted parts of England, particularly the Midlands.
The River Soar in Leicestershire overflowed, leading to life-threatening conditions and submerged trailer parks.
Over 200 flood warnings were issued nationwide, with the Environment Agency expressing concerns about further flooding as melting snow increased water levels.
East Midlands Ambulance Service declared a critical incident due to the flooding, marking a first for the service.
Emergency services conducted multiple rescues, assisting residents trapped in flooded homes and stranded vehicles. Tragically, a man’s body was recovered near the River Aire in North Yorkshire, suspected to have drowned over the weekend.
The severe weather led to widespread school closures, particularly in Scotland. For the second consecutive day, schools in regions such as Aberdeenshire, Highlands, and Moray remained closed due to heavy snowfall.
Parents were advised to check local council websites for updates, and transportation services were suspended in affected areas.
The Met Office issued yellow warnings for snow and ice across various regions, including southwest England, Wales, northwest England, the West Midlands, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Forecasters predicted continued cold temperatures, with further snowfall and potential icy conditions expected throughout the week. In some areas, temperatures plummeted to -13°C, exacerbating the challenges posed by the severe weather.
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