Severe Weather Disrupts UK Travel, Schools Closed, and Major Incidents Declared

Freezing temperatures across the UK are causing widespread disruption, prompting travel chaos, school closures, and multiple major incident declarations due to flooding. Reports indicate a significant number of stranded individuals, particularly children.

Flooding Triggers Major Incidents: Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) declared a major incident in response to extensive flooding across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, receiving over 200 calls. Meanwhile, the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum also declared a major incident due to flooding that left children stranded at a school in Edenham. A tragic incident occurred in North Yorkshire, where a man's body was recovered from floodwaters near Beal.

Weather Warnings Remain in Effect: The Met Office has issued three yellow warnings for snow and ice, affecting large portions of the UK. These warnings will remain in effect through Tuesday, with another warning for snow expected Wednesday. The warnings follow a period of heavy snowfall and icy rain across the country.

Widespread Travel and School Disruptions: Commuters faced significant travel disruptions, with roads closed, rail lines blocked, and numerous flight delays and cancellations. Hundreds of schools across Lancashire, Yorkshire, and northeast Scotland remain closed due to the hazardous conditions. The flooding also caused major disruption to services like CrossCountry and East Midlands Railway. Numerous stretches of A-roads were closed due to snow and flooding, including sections of the A66 in Cumbria, the A628 Woodhead Pass, and the A46 in Warwickshire. Further incidents were caused by aquaplaning from flooding on some A-roads.

Temperature Extremes and Potential for Further Disruption: The UK experienced its coldest night of the winter so far, with a record low of -13.3°C recorded in the Highlands. The Met Office anticipates further hazardous conditions, with potential for icy stretches and snow accumulations, particularly in higher elevations. The agency emphasizes the need for public preparedness.