UK weather live: Flights delayed and roads closed as snow hits country while Met Office issues new warning

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Heavy overnight snow is causing disruption across the UK this morning as a cold snap continues to sweep the country over the first weekend of 2025, with two amber alerts still in place and a fresh warning issued.

Several major airports were forced to temporarily close their runways due to snowfall, leading to flight cancellations and delays. Leeds Bradford Airport’s is still shut, but Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon’s have now reopened.

National Highways warned that up to 25cm of snow as well as ice could affect roads in northern England, with some key roads facing closures.

The first amber warning for snow and rare freezing rain covering most of Wales and central England is in place until midday today, while another amber snow alert is in place across most of northern England until the end of the day.

Up to 40cm of snow is expected in the worst affected areas, while much of the warning area can expect 3cm to 7cm, the Met Office said, adding that there is also a risk of rare freezing rain.

The Met Office issued a new yellow weather warning for rain across southern England on Sunday, lasting until 9am on Monday, amid fears of flooding.

UK Health Security Agency cold weather health alerts for all of England remain in place ahead of a week of low temperatures.

Key Points

  • Leeds Bradford Airport becomes latest to close runway after snow

  • Up to 25cm of snow as well as ice could hit roads in northern England, National Highways warns

  • New yellow weather warning for rain issued for southern England today

  • What weather warnings have been issued by Met Office across UK today

  • As much as 12cm of snow falls in snowiest place in UK

Rail services impacted across the country amid extreme weather

11:12 , Tara Cobham

Rail services have been impacted across the country amid the extreme weather.

Northern has advised passengers not travel as heavy snow causes issues on its network.

Avanti West Coast trains leaving Liverpool Lime Street may be cancelled or delayed due to difficulties at the depot after snowfall.

National Rail has advised passengers to check their journey before travelling amid the widespread disruption.

Watch: Simon Calder on wider travel disruption expected across UK due to 30cm of snowfall

11:00 , Tara Cobham

Manchester airport: runways open, but dozens of cancellations

10:46 , Travel correspondent Simon Calder

Dozens of flights to and from Manchester have been grounded after the airport was closed for three hours on Sunday morning.

Even though operations have resumed, many of the first wave of departures have been cancelled.

Britain’s biggest budget airline, easyJet has cancelled a dozen flights to and from destinations including Lisbon and Faro in Portugal, Prague and Sofia.

In addition, flights incoming from Munich, Vienna, Zurich and Helsinki could not reach Manchester and the outbound segments have been cancelled.

Beamish Museum in Co Durham closed for the day

10:45 , Travel correspondent Simon Calder

Beamish Museum, the “Living Museum of the North”, says it will stay closed on Sunday.

The statement said: “It’s with a heavy heart that, due to the snowy conditions, we are unable to open the museum today (Sunday, 5 January 2025).

“We’re saddened to have to make this decision but the safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers must always come first, and due to the weather conditions it just wouldn’t be possible to open.

“For anyone with a booking for our pantomime performances today, we’ll be sending you an email with further information. Thank you everyone for your understanding.”

A tram and tourists in the high street of the Edwardian town that forms part of Beamish Museum in County Durham, England (Getty Images)

A tram and tourists in the high street of the Edwardian town that forms part of Beamish Museum in County Durham, England (Getty Images)

Comment: My elderly mother can’t afford heating – she needs the winter fuel allowance

10:40 , Tara Cobham

After a damp and drizzly start to the year, the weather in the UK has taken a dramatic turn and we’ve firmly entered the first real cold snap of 2025 – which not only prompts concern for our own health and safety but also the wellbeing of our more vulnerable loved ones.

Even the most independent pensioners are finding the current conditions challenging.

My 73-year-old mother is no stranger to tough times; she found herself widowed after losing my dad to a gruelling battle with cancer and suffers from debilitating rheumatoid arthritis herself. She’s a powerhouse of strength and is fiercely stubborn, so it came as a shock when she recently told me how worried she was about heating her home this winter and her health fears during this severe cold snap.

Read more here:

My elderly mother can’t afford heating – she needs the winter fuel allowance

In pictures: Heavy snow blankets parts of UK

10:34 , Tara Cobham

A train makes its way along the Hunt’s Cross line in Liverpool (PA Wire)A train makes its way along the Hunt’s Cross line in Liverpool (PA Wire)

A train makes its way along the Hunt’s Cross line in Liverpool (PA Wire)

A blanket of snow covers Blackpool in Lancashire on Sunday (Michael Holmes/PA Wire)A blanket of snow covers Blackpool in Lancashire on Sunday (Michael Holmes/PA Wire)

A blanket of snow covers Blackpool in Lancashire on Sunday (Michael Holmes/PA Wire)

Heavy snow fell in Liverpool overnight (PA Wire)Heavy snow fell in Liverpool overnight (PA Wire)

Heavy snow fell in Liverpool overnight (PA Wire)

Chepstow, Plumpton and Naas all cleared for Sunday racing

10:32 , Tara Cobham

National Hunt racing resumed on Sunday after fixtures at Chepstow, Plumpton and Naas were all given the go-ahead following morning inspections.

Racegoers were left without any jumps or afternoon action on Saturday after freezing temperatures claimed the meetings at Sandown and Wincanton. Newcastle’s jumps card had already been abandoned on Friday, while a frozen track at Cork meant no racing took place in Ireland either.

Officials at Plumpton announced a precautionary inspection for 8.30am ahead of the track’s BetGoodwin Sussex National meeting due to the forecast of heavy rain overnight – and while 25mm fell, racing was given the green light.

Chepstow opted to take another look after an initial precautionary check at 7.30am and, with temperatures rising, the seven-race card did pass a second inspection at 9am, while the Grade One Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle is the feature event on a quality card at Naas.

A 7.30am inspection was called at the Irish track due to the threat of snow, but that failed to materialise.

Brendan Sheridan, clerk of the course for the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, said: “We had no snow overnight, we’ve had 11 millimetres of rain and the ground is now soft, soft to heavy in places.”

Chesterfield vs Gillingham and Fleetwood vs AFC Wimbledon postponed

10:31 , Tara Cobham

The Sky Bet League Two fixtures between Chesterfield and Gillingham and Fleetwood and AFC Wimbledon were postponed on Sunday morning.

“Due to the fitness of the pitch and surrounding area due to heavy snowfall on the Fylde Coast during Saturday night into Sunday morning a call was made in consultation with the EFL and PGMOL,” Fleetwood said announcing the postponement of the fixture.

Liverpool-Man Utd clash subject to safety decision due to heavy snow

10:27 , Tara Cobham

Liverpool say “every effort” is being made for their home game with Manchester United to take place on Sunday amid adverse weather conditions on Merseyside, with a decision expected just after midday.

Snow fell across Merseyside and the north west overnight and Liverpool City Council’s Safety Advisory Group met on Sunday morning to determine whether the Premier League match could go ahead due to access issues.

The group will reconvene at midday in the hope that weather conditions will ease and the fixture – one of the biggest in English football – will kick-off as scheduled at 4.30pm.

“A safety meeting was held this morning to assess the weather and travel conditions for today’s fixture against Manchester United at Anfield,” league leaders Liverpool posted on their official X account.

“At this stage the match is planned to go ahead as normal and every effort is being made to get the game on.

“A further safety meeting will take place again at midday to assess the latest conditions.

“We will update supporters just as soon as we can. Please take extra care out there, Reds.”

Leeds Bradford Airport becomes latest to close runway after snow

10:25 , Tara Cobham

Leeds Bradford Airport said it had closed its runway this morning after disruption caused by heavy snowfall.

In a statement posted on its website, the airport said its team were “working hard to clear snow and minimise the impact on flight schedules”.

Passengers have also been advised to walk to the terminal with the long stay and car rental shuttle bus service temporarily postponed.

Some morning departures have been rescheduled to this afternoon, the airport said.

It said it is hoping to reopen the runway at midday, although this is subject to change. Either way passengers will be provided with a further update then.

The closure comes after several other major UK airports closed their runways over Saturday evening and Sunday morning.

Up to 25cm of snow as well as ice could hit roads in northern England, National Highways warns

10:20 , Tara Cobham

Up to 25cm of snow as well as ice could hit roads in northern England, National Highways has warned.

Snow closed the A628 Woodhead Pass which connects Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire through the Peak District overnight in both directions between the A616 at Flouch and the A57 at Hollingworth.

The A66 in County Durham and Cumbria was closed between the M6 and A1M because of the conditions, while two of four lanes on the M1 northbound between J30 Worksop and J31 Sheffield in South Yorkshire were shut after a collision involving a HGV.

One lane of the northbound A3 in Hampshire was closed on Sunday morning due to flooding following overnight snow, National Highways said.

As well as snow, National Highways warned rain may initially fall on frozen ground and lead to ice, with areas of high ground, including the Cotswolds and Peak District, most at risk.

New yellow weather warning for rain issued for southern England today

10:19 , Tara Cobham

A new yellow weather warning for rain has been issued for southern England on Sunday.

The Met Office said disruption was likely to bus and train services while spray and flooding on roads would delay car journeys.

The warning is in place from Cornwall across to Kent and will last until 9am on Monday.

A new yellow weather warning for rain has been issued for southern England on Sunday (Met Office)A new yellow weather warning for rain has been issued for southern England on Sunday (Met Office)

A new yellow weather warning for rain has been issued for southern England on Sunday (Met Office)

Latest updates as snow threatens Liverpool vs Manchester United Premier League fixture

10:12 , Tara Cobham

Liverpool are hoping to host Manchester United in the Premier League this afternoon with the league leaders looking to extend their lead at the top of the table, though heavy snow overnight has put the fixture in doubt.

A second safety meeting is scheduled for midday GMT to determine whether the clash can be staged at Anfield after an amber weather warning was issued for much of the north of England. A first meeting was held earlier after runways were closed at both Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport amid widespread travel disruption.

Should the fixture go ahead, Arne Slot’s side will be looking to further seize control of the title race. More dropped points for Arsenal yesterday only strengthens Liverpool’s position with a game still in hand on their rivals. Things are rather less buoyant at Old Trafford at the moment with the arrival of Ruben Amorim not transforming Manchester United’s fortunes. The visitors have won just two league matches since he took over in November, with recent losses to Wolves and Newcastle illustrating the scale of the job on the Portuguese’s hands.

Follow all the latest news from Anfield in The Independent’s sports team’s live blog below:

Liverpool vs Manchester United in doubt after snow – latest updates

‘Postpone journeys until Monday’ – London North Eastern Railway

10:10 , Travel correspondent Simon Calder

Passengers on the UK’s flagship train operator, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) have been urged to defer their rail journeys tomorrow on the East Coast main line.

The line connects London King’s Cross with Yorkshire, northeast England and Scotland.

“Due to heavy snow, train services running across the whole London North Eastern Railway network may be cancelled or delayed,” the company says.

“LNER tickets for travel on Sunday 5 January will be valid for use on Monday 6 January.

“If you are unable to defer your journey, you can use your ticket on the following train companies at no extra cost: TransPennine Express between Manchester, Leeds and York/Newcastle. Northern on any reasonable route. Great Northern and Thameslink between London Kings Cross, Stevenage and Peterborough.

“Please be aware that other operators’ services are also likely to be busy. We’re working with Network Rail to get our services moving again as quickly as possible.“

Another East Coast main line company, Hull Trains, has warned: “Due to hazardous weather conditions, rail replacement services are currently unable to run. This will be reassessed at midday. We apologise for any inconvenience.”

Passengers on the UK’s flagship train operator, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) have been urged to defer their rail journeys tomorrow on the East Coast main line (pictured is disruption to services on Sunday 5 January) (LNER)Passengers on the UK’s flagship train operator, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) have been urged to defer their rail journeys tomorrow on the East Coast main line (pictured is disruption to services on Sunday 5 January) (LNER)

Passengers on the UK’s flagship train operator, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) have been urged to defer their rail journeys tomorrow on the East Coast main line (pictured is disruption to services on Sunday 5 January) (LNER)

‘I’m on a diverted Qatar Airways flight. What are my rights?’

10:00 , Travel correspondent Simon Calder

Ryan Brewer is aboard Qatar Airways flight QR21 from Doha to Manchester, which has diverted to Birmingham.

He told The Independent: “Sat on tarmac for over two hours with hope of flying back to Manchester.

“Just been told no ground support here to refuel, etc, and the crew are out of hours so we have to disembark. What are our rights?”

Under air passengers’ rights rules, the airline must arrange onward transport – which is likely to involve coaches. For many passengers, though, a better option is likely to be a train from Birmingham International station, adjacent to the airport.

As well as reclaiming the train fare, passengers can claim for a meal while they wait. But cash compensation is not payable because the airline is not responsible for the disruption.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport to reopen runway in minutes although flights still delayed

09:59 , Tara Cobham

Liverpool John Lennon Airport has announced that it will be reopening its runway at 10.15am this morning.

However, the airport warned passengers: “There are delays to flights, so please contact your airline directly.”

Manchester Airport runways reopen but passengers warned of delays

09:55 , Tara Cobham

Manchester Airport runways have reopened, although passengers have been warned of ongoing delays amid ice and snow.

In a post on X this morning, the airport said: “Our runways are now open, but as a result of the earlier closure, some departures and arrivals may still experience delays as our teams work to de-ice aircraft and clear the runways.”

The bus services cancelled across Yorkshire due to extreme weather

09:52 , Tara Cobham

A number of bus services have been cancelled across Yorkshire due to the extreme weather, including:

  • Stagecoach Yorkshire announced this morning that its services to Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster are unable to leave the depot and so are not running, with updates expected.

  • The Harrogate Bus Company has suspended all its services until further notice.

  • Similarly, all Supertram services have been suspended until further notice.

  • Arriva Yorkshire has warned its services are subject to cancellations today.

  • All The Keighley Bus Company’s services are currently suspended.

  • Similarly, all of Team Pennine’s services are suspended.

  • The Burnley Bus Company has had to suspend a number of services.

  • Metro said its West Yorkshire bus services have been disrupted.

  • DalesBus said all its bus services in and around the Yorkshire Dales area are currently suspended.

Watch: Snowfall on A3 in Surrey as weather causes flight delays and motorway chaos

09:40 , Tara Cobham

Snowfall on A3 in Surrey as weather causes flight delays and motorway chaos

Where’s that plane? Manchester diversions: the score so far

09:20 , Travel correspondent Simon Calder

  • Dublin: Hainan Airlines from Beijing, Tui from Barbados, Aer Lingus from New York.

  • Shannon: Norse from Barbados.

  • Paris CDG: Air Transat from Toronto

  • Birmingham: Qatar Airways from Doha, Juneyao Air from Shanghai, Etihad from Abu Dhabi, Vueling from Barcelona.

  • London Heathrow: Gulf Air from Bahrain, Virgin Atlantic from Atlanta, Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong.

  • Glasgow: Aer Lingus from Orlando.

Long haul: the flightpath of Hainan Airlines from Beijing (Flightradar24)Long haul: the flightpath of Hainan Airlines from Beijing (Flightradar24)

Long haul: the flightpath of Hainan Airlines from Beijing (Flightradar24)

What weather warnings have been issued by Met Office across UK today

09:09 , Tara Cobham

Two amber weather warnings from the Met Office have been put in place in England and Wales, with 3cm to 7cm of snowfall predicted for much of the affected area, mixing with rain at times in lower-lying areas.

The forecaster has also issued yellow warnings covering almost the entire country across the weekend.

  • One amber warning for snow and freezing rain, which covers much of Wales and the Midlands as far north as Manchester, is in place until midday on Sunday.

  • The second amber warning for snow, covering most of northern England including Leeds, Sheffield and the Lake District, is in place until midnight on Sunday.

  • A yellow warning for snow and ice covers most of the remaining parts of England and Wales until midnight.

  • A yellow warning for snow and ice covers large parts of Northern Ireland from 6pm on Sunday.

  • The north of Scotland is covered by a yellow warning for ice until 10am on Sunday.

  • Another yellow warning for snow and ice is in place in the east of central Scotland until 6am on Monday.

  • And a yellow warning for snow is in place across most of southern Scotland between midnight on Sunday and 6am on Monday.

  • There is also a yellow warning for rain covering much of Wales and the West Midlands on Sunday from 6am to 9pm.

  • Another yellow warning for rain covering most of southern England is in place from 8.51am on Sunday until 9am on Monday.

The weather warnings issued by the Met Office for across the UK on Sunday (Met Office)The weather warnings issued by the Met Office for across the UK on Sunday (Met Office)

The weather warnings issued by the Met Office for across the UK on Sunday (Met Office)

Will Liverpool vs Manchester United be postponed?

09:00 , Tara Cobham

The clash between Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United may be in doubt after heavy snow hit the United Kingdom overnight.

Liverpool are due to host their rivals at Anfield at 4.30pm GMT on Sunday afternoon as they look to extend their lead at the top of the table.

While the pitch is likely to be able to be made playable, the safety of travelling fans will also be considered with regards to a possible postponement.

My colleague Harry Latham-Coyle from The Independent’s sports team reports:

Will Liverpool vs Man Utd be postponed due to snow?

As much as 12cm of snow falls in snowiest place in UK

08:47 , Tara Cobham

As much as 12cm of snow has fallen in Bingley, West Yorkshire, according to the Met Office.

The town was the snowiest place in the UK as of 7am this morning.

Both Shap in Cumbria and Capel Curig, Gwynedd, saw 10cm overnight.

More diversions from Manchester airport as cancellations begin

08:20 , Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent

Heavy snow has closed both runways at the UK’s third-busiest airport, Manchester. The last plane landed at 6.05am, and since then a procession of long-haul planes has been waiting to touch down.

So far Qatar Airways from Doha and Vueling from Barcelona have gone to Birmingham, while the Virgin Atlantic flight from Atlanta landed at London Heathrow. Aer Lingus from Orlando in Florida is currently on the ground at Glasgow.

The crews will be hoping to fly on to Manchester once at least one runway reopens, but there will be severe congestion for arrivals and departures.

KLM has grounded its morning flight from Amsterdam to Manchester, as well as the outbound service.

Diversions begin from Manchester airport

08:08 , Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent

Airline passengers across England are facing severe disruption as airports are hit by heavy snow. Bristol airport closed for several hours on Saturday night, with dozens of diversions, delays and cancellations – and Manchester airport has closed both runways due to the snow, along with nearby Liverpool airport.

The diversions have begun. Passengers on the Qatar Airways overnight flight from Doha are blearily rubbing their eyes in Birmingham airport. Flight QR21 arrived in the Manchester area slightly behind schedule, just after the runway closed. It held for 50 minutes before diverting south to the West Midlands airport.

The last flight to land was Tui from Barbados at 6.05am, and in the following 90 minutes there are 10 more long-haul planes waiting to touch down. From the east, aircraft are holding from Beijing, Shanghai, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From across the Atlantic, planes from New York, Atlanta, Orlando and Toronto, and another couple from Barbados.

Most have been flying holding patterns for half-an-hour or more, with more diversion declarations likely imminently.

Each time a plane diverts, it sets up problems for passengers later in the day. For example, the Qatar Airways flight was due out at 7.45am, with hundreds of passengers due to transfer to other flights to Africa, Asia and Australasia.

Manchester airport closure likely to cause severe disruption

07:48 , Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent

“Our runways are temporarily closed due to heavy snow, as our teams work hard to clear them as quickly as possible” – that announcement from Manchester airport shortly after 6am signals severe disruption for many thousands of passengers. “We will update you as soon as possible.”

Manchester airport is the third-busiest in the UK, after London Heathrow and Gatwick, and it has had a really difficult night, with every single flight since 10.30pm on Saturday delayed.

The closure of both runways will prove annoying for the tens of thousands of passengers waiting to fly out, but at least they can stay put. The last flight to land was Tui from Barbados at 6.05am, and in the following 90 minutes there are 11 long-haul planes waiting to touch down. From the east, aircraft are holding from Beijing, Shanghai, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha. From across the Atlantic, planes from New York, Atlanta, Orlando and Toronto, and another couple from Barbados.

Diversions look certain to start soon – last time this happened in Manchester, in January 2003, planes landed as far away as Dublin and Paris.

What is freezing rain and why is it dangerous?

07:30 , Stuti Mishra

The Met Office has warned of snow and ice, with the risk of rare freezing rain, across most of England and Wales over the weekend.

The phenomenon – commonly known as ice storms in North America – is not often seen in the UK because the conditions needed for it are quite specific, according to the forecaster.

Read more:

What is freezing rain and why is it dangerous?

Major airports close runways delaying flights amid heavy snow

07:11 , Tara Cobham

Runways at Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon airports were temporarily closed on Sunday due to heavy snowfall, causing flight delays.

Manchester Airport cited “heavy snow” and said teams were working to reopen the runways as soon as possible, urging passengers to check with airlines for updates. Liverpool John Lennon Airport also closed its runway but remains operational.

“We are working hard to clear the runway and will provide an update at 07.45 (GMT),” the airport said.

Elsewhere, Birmingham Airport resumed operations early Sunday after suspending flights overnight for snow clearing, while Bristol Airport reopened late Saturday but warned of potential delays due to displaced aircraft.

All the affected airports, and Belfast International Airport, urged passengers to check with their airline.

Snow mapped: Today’s weather warnings and forecast

07:00 , Stuti Mishra

Eight weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office as temperatures plummet over the first weekend of 2025.

Two amber weather warnings have been issued, including a warning for snow and ice which will stay until 12pm today, covering most of the Midlands, Wales and parts of northern England.

Another amber snow warning will stay in place until the end of the day.

Read more:

Snow mapped: Where freezing weather will hit UK this weekend

Photos: Streets covered in snow

06:30 , Stuti Mishra

Icy blast raises risk of death in elderly, health chiefs warn

06:00 , Alexander Butler

Warning of deaths from icy blast as Age UK slates winter benefit cut

Rain and snow sweeping across the UK

05:30 , Stuti Mishra

Met Office animation shows rain and snow arrived from the southeast on Saturday evening and is slowly making its way northeast.

“There’s more wintry weather on the way,” the forecaster says, as two amber weather warnings are in place.

Three hillwalkers rescued after walking through blizzard in freezing temperatures

05:00 , Alexander Butler

Three hillwalkers rescued after walking through blizzard in freezing temperatures

Photo: Street covered in snow

04:30 , Stuti Mishra

A photo from Godalming Town Council in Surrey, posted byPaul Follows, leader of Waverley borough council shows the local town centre covered in snow.

RSPCA warns householders that salt and antifreeze kill pets

04:00 , Alexander Butler

RSPCA warns that salt and antifreeze kill pets – as snow and ice forecast

Sunday forecast: Rain and snow set to cause disruptions

03:35 , Stuti Mishra

Snow and ice is set to lead to some disruption through Sunday morning, according to Met Office, as the UK is under two amber weather warnings.Here’s today’s forecast:

Can and should you walk your dogs in the snow and freezing temperatures?

03:00 , Alexander Butler

Can and should you walk your dogs in the snow and freezing temperatures?

Baby boy dies after A1 car crash in icy conditions

02:00 , Alexander Butler

Baby boy dies after A1 car crash in icy conditions

Snow mapped: Where freezing weather will hit UK this weekend with up to 40cm snowfall forecast

01:00 , Alexander Butler

Snow mapped: Where freezing weather will hit UK this weekend

UK braced for power cuts amid heavy snow and freezing rain

00:01 , Alexander Butler

UK braced for power cuts amid heavy snow and freezing rain

Rail problems in Devon, Wiltshire and Shropshire

Saturday 4 January 2025 23:31 , Simon Calder

On the trains, Great Western Railway says severe weather in the Dawlish area of south Devon is delaying trains by up to half an hour and causing the odd cancellation.

GWR also warns that most rail replacement buses in the Westbury area – deployed because of engineering work – won’t run because of heavy snow.

The rail link between Shrewsbury and Chester has been blocked by a landslip at Gobowen in Shropshire, with buses running instead between the two stations as well as to Wrexham.

What is freezing rain and why is it dangerous?

Saturday 4 January 2025 23:00 , Alexander Butler

What is freezing rain and why is it dangerous?

Avon and Somerset Police warn against travel

Saturday 4 January 2025 22:50 , Alexander Butler

Avon and Somerset Police has urged residents to travel only if necessary amid “significant” road disruption across the area.

Writing on X, the force said: “Weather warnings are in place with snow and ice affecting the region. There is significant road disruption, particularly in parts of Somerset. Please only travel if necessary.”

Flight cancellations extend into Sunday from Bristol airport

Saturday 4 January 2025 22:45 , Simon Calder

Planes, pilots and passengers are all out of position after the large-scale diversions of flights arriving at Bristol airport on Saturday evening. At least 17 arrivals have flown to different UK airports, as far away as Manchester, because of heavy snow.

A spokesperson for the airport said: “The Bristol Airport team are working hard on snow clearing but challenging weather means that flight operations have been suspended until later tonight.

“This will mainly impact inbound flights but any concerned customers are advised to contact their airline for more information.”

The airport is outside the Met Office “amber weather warning” area, but it is relatively high: around 200 metres above sea level.

As a result of the closure, Sunday flights are certain to be disrupted even if the snow is quickly cleared.

The 6am KLM departure to Amsterdam has been delayed by five hours, and the 9am flight cancelled altogether.

Ryanair’s 8.55am departure to Alicante has been grounded. Further cancellations are likely.

Wiltshire Police warn against travel amid snowfall

Saturday 4 January 2025 22:25 , Alexander Butler

Wiltshire Police has warned residents against travelling unless necessary amid heavy snowfall across the county.

Writing on X, the force said: “The weather has turned very quickly and causing chaos all over the county, do not travel unless absolutely necessary!

“Otherwise you could find yourself having a long cold night roads being closed due to amount of incidents.”

Collision on M5 amid snow warnings

Saturday 4 January 2025 22:03 , Alexander Butler

A collision was reported on the M5 as the motorway was closed to traffic amid warnings of freezing temperatures and heavy snow.

Traffic was stopped on the M5 southbound between J24 Bridgwater and J25 Taunton due to the collision earlier this evening, National Highways said.

Dublin Airport’s snow and ice teams on stand-by

Saturday 4 January 2025 22:00 , Tara Cobham

A spokesman for Dublin Airport said its snow and ice teams are on stand-by to treat surfaces as required and to respond to any issues that arise.

“As always, passengers seeking updates regarding specific flights should contact their airline directly,” it said on social media.

“Those travelling to Dublin Airport over the weekend should allow plenty of time for their journey.”

Snow chaos at Bristol airport

Saturday 4 January 2025 21:31 , Simon Calder

As of 9.30pm on Saturday evening, Bristol airport has seen 17 diversions. The first two were easyJet arrivals from Grenoble and Geneva, which flew to London Gatwick and Luton respectively.

Jet2 sent planes arriving from the Canary Islands to Cardiff and Birmingham. The West Midlands airport has received eight Bristol diversions so far.

The longest diversion was a later easyJet flight from Geneva, which went to Newcastle. At least 10 flights have been cancelled so far as a result of the snow.

KLM cancelled its late-evening arrival from Amsterdam, as well as the early Sunday morning flight. The return legs are also grounded.

Three round trips – to Belfast, Paris and Barcelona – were cancelled by easyJet on Saturday evening.

In a statement posted on its website, the airport said: “Snowfall at Bristol may result in some delays to flights.“Customers are asked to contact their airline for the latest flight information.”

Forecasters warn of school closures in Ireland and travel chaos

Saturday 4 January 2025 21:00 , Tara Cobham

Forecasters have said that depending on snow accumulations in Ireland on Monday, schools could remain closed there as the sub-zero temperatures stretch into next week.

Met Eireann has also warned that the cold snap will create difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility.

They have said it will lead to very difficult travelling conditions, with disruption to public transport, air, rail and bus services, difficult conditions underfoot and animal welfare issues.

Explained: What is rare freezing rain set to hit UK?

Saturday 4 January 2025 20:00 , Tara Cobham

Rare freezing rain is forecast to hit the UK this weekend.

The phenomenon is a rare type of liquid precipitation that strikes a cold surface and freezes almost immediately.

The Met Office has explained it in more detail:

Mapped: Where snow will hit UK this weekend

Saturday 4 January 2025 19:00 , Tara Cobham

Nine weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office with snow and ice set to strike the UK, as temperatures plummet over the first weekend of 2025.

Two amber weather warnings have been issued, including a warning for snow and ice from 6pm on Saturday until 12pm on Sunday, covering most of the Midlands, Wales and parts of northern England.

Another amber snow warning will be issued across northern England and parts of the Midlands from 9pm on Saturday until the end of Sunday.

Here are all the weather warnings mapped:

Snow mapped: Where freezing weather will hit UK this weekend

In pictures: Parts of country already blanketed in white as more snow on its way

Saturday 4 January 2025 18:00 , Tara Cobham

A dog runs through snow in the Pentland Hills, Balerno, Edinburgh, on Friday (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)A dog runs through snow in the Pentland Hills, Balerno, Edinburgh, on Friday (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

A dog runs through snow in the Pentland Hills, Balerno, Edinburgh, on Friday (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

A car drives through snow in Balerno, Edinburgh, on Friday (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)A car drives through snow in Balerno, Edinburgh, on Friday (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

A car drives through snow in Balerno, Edinburgh, on Friday (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

Deer in a frosty Phoenix Park in Dublin (PA Wire)Deer in a frosty Phoenix Park in Dublin (PA Wire)

Deer in a frosty Phoenix Park in Dublin (PA Wire)

Can and should you walk your dogs in the snow and freezing temperatures?

Saturday 4 January 2025 17:00 , Tara Cobham

Temperatures are dropping across the UK with snow weather warnings in place.

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) cold weather health alerts for all of England remain in place ahead of a week of low temperatures.

With this news, many will be thinking about how this chilly weather may affect our pets.

Camilla Foster reports:

Can and should you walk your dogs in the snow and freezing temperatures?

Met Office’s forecast for this evening as disruption likely

Saturday 4 January 2025 16:45 , Tara Cobham

The Met Office has forecast rain, sleet and snow will move northeastwards across much of the UK this evening.

The weather service warned disruption is likely in places.

Public urged to take ‘extra care’ as Ireland braces for severe weather

Saturday 4 January 2025 16:13 , Tara Cobham

The public has been urged to take extra care this weekend following warnings of a “multi-hazard weather event” due to hit Ireland on Saturday.

It comes as the Government’s national emergency co-ordination group (NECG) met on Saturday to prepare for the severe weather forecast across the country.

Taoiseach Simon Harris was also briefed by the emergency director about their plans.

Snow, ice, heavy rain and sleet are to sweep over the island of Ireland as temperatures continue to plummet.

Amber snow and ice warnings in place in two hours’ time

Saturday 4 January 2025 15:51 , Tara Cobham

Amber snow and ice warnings will be in place in two hours’ time.

The Met Office has issued the weather warnings for large parts of England and Wales from 6pm this evening through into Sunday.

RSPCA warns householders that salt and antifreeze kill pets

Saturday 4 January 2025 15:31 , Tara Cobham

The RSPCA has warned householders that antifreeze and salt can be poisonous to pets – as snow and freezing temperatures are forecast to sweep the UK this weekend.

Amber severe weather warnings for ice and snow have been issued for parts of England and Wales amid a cold snap gripping the country.

Most of the Midlands, Wales, and parts of northern England will be covered by an amber warning for snow and ice from 6pm on Saturday until noon on Sunday.

My colleague Jane Dalton reports:

RSPCA warns that salt and antifreeze kill pets – as snow and ice forecast

Horse racing at Sandown Park in Surrey ‘abandoned due to frozen ground’

Saturday 4 January 2025 15:10 , Tara Cobham

Horse racing at Sandown Park in Surrey was abandoned on Saturday, with the racecourse saying the weather meant there “would not be sufficient time for the ground to become raceable”.

In a statement posted on social media, the racecourse added: “Following this morning’s inspection, sadly racing today has been abandoned due to frozen ground.”

Met Office forecasts cold conditions across UK this afternoon including snow

Saturday 4 January 2025 14:50 , Tara Cobham

The Met Office has forecast cold conditions across the UK this afternoon, including the arrival of snow in some parts.

In a post on X, the weather service said: “Most places dry and cold this afternoon, with freezing fog patches persisting across Northern Ireland.

“Wintry showers in the north and west, most frequent in the far north.

“Thicker cloud with rain, sleet and snow arriving into southwest England and Wales.”

Further weather warnings could be issued for start of next week

Saturday 4 January 2025 14:30 , Tara Cobham

Further weather warnings could be issued for the start of next week as the plummeting temperatures are expected to continue.

Milder air will briefly cover some southern areas during the weekend before a new northerly flow allows colder conditions to return across the UK next week, the Met Office said.

Deputy chief forecaster Dan Holley said temperatures would remain below average with some areas struggling to get above freezing for several days.

People walk through snow in Balerno, Edinburgh, on Friday (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)People walk through snow in Balerno, Edinburgh, on Friday (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

People walk through snow in Balerno, Edinburgh, on Friday (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

Sporting fixtures called off due to bad weather

Saturday 4 January 2025 14:10 , Tara Cobham

Some football games have been called off, while Saturday’s race meeting at Newcastle has been abandoned because the course is frozen.

The cancelled football matches include Cheltenham’s clash with League Two leaders Walsall, which was due to take place on Saturday, Halifax’s National League home game against Fylde, which was also set for Saturday, while Friday night’s Scottish Championship game between Airdrie and leaders Falkirk did not take place.

Councils across London and southern England activate emergency measures

Saturday 4 January 2025 13:50 , Tara Cobham

Councils across London and southern England have activated emergency measures.

This includes additional accommodation to help rough sleepers stay safe during the cold snap.

Emergency team meeting as Ireland braces for ‘multi-hazard weather event’

Saturday 4 January 2025 13:31 , Tara Cobham

The government’s Emergency Planning Team is holding a meeting as Ireland braces for a “multi-hazard weather event”, which is due to hit the country later on Saturday.

Snow, ice, heavy rain and sleet are to sweep over the island of Ireland as temperatures continue to plummet.

A series of weather warnings will come into effect, with status orange snow and ice warnings issued for Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary.

Read the full story here:

Emergency team meeting as country braces for ‘multi-hazard weather event’



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