For free real-time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox, sign up for our breaking news emails
Sign up for free breaking news emails
Snowy and icy weather across the UK has caused major disruption on major roads and rail networks, with many services cancelled, delayed or revised. The severe weather affected services on the Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink networks. Passengers have only been informed if absolutely necessary as delays are expected until the end of the day. The disruptions come a day before thousands of workers take part in two 48-hour rail strikes this week. As commuters faced travel chaos earlier this morning due to ice, fog and snow, the RAC said it was “extremely busy” dealing with 7,500 motorists with breakdowns. Rod Dennis from the RAC said this was 50 per cent more than what they would see on a typical December Monday. Essex Police also said they had dealt with a number of incidents on the roads today, including breakdowns and collisions caused by the bad weather. Schools were also affected by the severe weather, with some closing their doors on Monday. The disruption looks set to continue on Tuesday, with some schools planning to remain closed as the cold weather sets in.
Basic points
Show latest update 1670895660
More travel chaos lies ahead as snow and ice continue
Snow and ice warnings will remain in place for many parts of Britain until Tuesday morning as forecasters predicted the coldest night of the year for the second day in a row. It comes after travelers faced travel chaos on Monday as much of the UK struggled with ice, fog and snow. The Met Office has issued an ice warning for large parts of south-east England, including London and Brighton, until 11am. A snow and ice warning covering northern Scotland and north-east England is in place until midday on Thursday. Alastair Jamieson has the full story: Aisha Rimi13 December 2022 01:41 1670892060
Watch: Londoners rally to move stuck bus during heavy snowfall
Londoners rally to move stuck bus during heavy snowfall Aisha Rimi13 December 2022 00:41 1670888448
UK school closures and delayed openings due to snow – see the full list in your area
Some schools closed their doors on Monday as parents and staff struggled to make the journey in wintry conditions or heating systems stopped working. Others decided to start later in the day after assessing the safety conditions in the morning. The turmoil looks set to continue on Tuesday, with schools already saying they plan to close as the cold weather continues. Zoe Tidman has the full story: Aisha Rimi12 December 2022 23:40 1670874164
Flood warning for Hampshire
The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for Hampshire. Flooding is expected in various locations on Hayling Island, including SOouth Hayling village, Sinah Common, Westfield, Sea View, Mengham and the seaside South Eastoke. Government people should take action to protect themselves and their property and monitor local weather and river conditions. They also urged the public to avoid touching, walking or driving through flood water and to activate any flood protection products they may have. Aisha Rimi12 December 2022 19:42 1670869721
Essex Police deal with breakdowns and collisions amid bad weather
Essex Police reported a number of incidents on roads in the area today, with breakdowns and collisions as a result of the icy and snowy weather across much of the UK today. Aisha Rimi12 December 2022 18:28 1670866214
Several train lines were affected by severe weather, causing delays and cancellations
Services on the Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink networks have been disrupted due to the severe weather. The strike is expected to continue until tomorrow morning. Passengers are advised to travel only if absolutely necessary and to check for travel in advance. Aisha Rimi12 December 2022 17:30 1670863588
The UK is experiencing its coldest day in the UK for 12 years
According to the Met Office, today’s highest temperature recorded in Braemar, Aberdeenshire is -9.3C. If temperatures do not rise overnight, this will be the lowest maximum temperature recorded in the UK since December 2010. Aisha Rimi12 December 2022 16:46 1670862410
Northern Ireland has been hit with a yellow weather warning
Cold temperatures are expected to remain across Northern Ireland this week, forecasters say. The coldest temperature of the year so far, -9C, was recorded in Katesbridge, Co Down in the early hours of Monday. Met Office weather warnings for ice and fog remain in place until 10am on Tuesday. The sub-zero temperatures are expected to continue through Thursday. Travel has been affected by the weather, with several flights from London canceled on Monday. The Met Office has predicted another cold day across Northern Ireland on Tuesday despite spells of weak winter sunshine and scattered wintry showers. On Wednesday and Thursday, intermittent rain, sleet and snowfall are expected. Police urged motorists to take extra care when driving due to ice in some areas. “Reduce your speed and drive according to the conditions,” they added. Aisha Rimi12 December 2022 16:26 1670860320
Watch: Freeway skis, foxes and snowmen: The best videos from December’s first snow day
Freeway skis, foxes and snowmen: The best videos from December’s first snow day Aisha Rimi12 December 2022 15:52 1670859103
National Grid shuts down coal plants over power plan
The National Grid has told two of its coal-fired power stations to shut down after preparing them to produce electricity amid pressure from the freezing weather. National Grid said it had asked its “emergency” winter units to prepare for operation to “give the public confidence in Monday’s energy supply”. He said the plans meant coal-fired stations could be used as “additional contingency tools” as needed to allow the grid to operate as usual. But he told the units they would not be needed later on Monday as there was “sufficient emergency power available” to power households across the country tonight. The directive on coal-fired plants marked the first since they were put on standby and came as the grid said it would also run another trial of its demand flexibility service – which pays customers to use less electricity at certain times . Aisha Rimi12 December 2022 15:31
