UK weather: Snow and ice causing travel disruption around UKon December 12, 2022 at 4:19 pm

Snow and ice are causing widespread travel disruption across the UK, after temperatures plunged to -15.6C in Scotland overnight.

The coldest night of the year so far saw heavy snow in the south-east and east of England, leading to severe travel disruption for airports, railways and motorways.

Schools from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands have closed for the day.

Further wintry showers are expected this week.

Unofficial observations say 15cm (5.9 inches) of snow fell near Stansted Airport.

More than 100 flights due to serve UK airports were cancelled on Sunday and Monday – with Stansted, Gatwick, Luton and London City among the worst impacted.

Londoners also faced severe difficulties getting around on Monday morning, with most Tube lines experiencing delays or part closure.

Railway lines – particularly in the south-east and east of England – continue to be disrupted, with services being cancelled. The cold weather prompted Southeastern Railway to advise passengers not to travel after cancelling the first trains on all routes to allow safety checks.

Driving conditions across the UK remain difficult. The AA said that although the snow has created a “beautiful winter wonderland”, it has also created a nightmare scenario for motorists. Some caught up in chaos last night on the M25 and M11 reported being stuck in their cars for more than eight hours overnight.

Drivers in Burwash, East Sussex, decided to abandon their cars altogether and took refuge in a pub overnight after snow made roads impassable and dangerous. About 40 people took shelter in the Bear Inn, which opened its doors to those stranded, providing hot drinks, log fires, and mattresses for children.

Warnings remain in place on the M25 this morning, with drivers advised to take care when travelling due to snow and ice. However, a section earlier closed between junctions 23 and 25 has now reopened, warnings are still in place.

Three boys aged eight, 10 and 11 have died after falling into an icy lake near Solihull, in the West Midlands, on Sunday.

Source: Royal Life Saving Society UK

It will be a cold week for the vast majority of people in the UK – temperatures are not due to rise by much, and snow and ice will be persistent in many regions.

Although more snow is not expected, the Met Office urged people to be careful as it issued a weather warning for ice for the east Midlands, the south-east and east of England, saying that lying snow and icy patches will lead to difficult travel conditions into Tuesday.

This could make some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths dangerous and lead to injuries from slips and falls.

Parts of Scotland have a weather warning for snow and ice stretching into the week until midday Thursday.

The rest of the week will stay bright but cold conditions mean frost and fog overnight will be slow to clear in places.

The latter part of the week could bring yet more snowfall, or perhaps rain if a transition to milder weather gets underway as expected.

Despite sub-zero temperatures across the country, is a concern that many people may put off turning the heating on to warm their homes due to the exceptionally high cost of energy.

However, Age UK spokesperson Sophie Barrett urged people to put the heating on and ensure it reaches a level high enough to stay warm at home. Living in such low temperatures puts a considerable strain on the body, which has to work to warm up faster. This can lead to an increase in blood pressure and a faster heartbeat – which in turns can exacerbate the risk of a stroke or heart attack.

At low temperatures, those who already have poor heart health and the elderly become even more susceptible to serious health issues.

How are you being affected by the cold weather? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

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