People warned to stay at home after snow brings UK to standstill
Parts of Britain have come to a standstill overnight as weather warnings for ice, fog and snow remain in place.
Further travel chaos is expected during rush hour today, as people have been told not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary.
Yellow warnings are in place until later today for northeastern England, Midlands and South West as well as London and the South East, northern and southwestern Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The Met Office issued the alerts as temperatures stayed below zero overnight.
Snowfall on Sunday evening forced Gatwick and Stansted Airports to close their runways, leaving passengers stranded for hours.
A statement said: ‘London Stansted Airport’s runway is currently closed to allow for snow clearance due to weather conditions and flights are currently suspended.
‘Delays to flights were experienced earlier due to de-icing of aircraft which is a ground handler’s responsibility and safety of aircraft and passengers is paramount.
‘Passengers are advised to check with their airline for current status of their flights.’
Gatwick posted on Twitter: ‘Sunday 11/ Monday 12, December: Snow and freeezing weather may cause disruption at the airport.
‘Passengers are advised to check flight status with their airline – and also local travel conditions – before departing for the airport.’
Meanwhile, people have been urged to ‘stay home’ today as large parts of the county’s road and rail network have succumbed to the weather conditions.
Drivers in the South East were being asked by National Highways not to travel unless it was essential due to heavy snow already falling on Sunday evening, with up to 10cm of snow forecast.
Kent is being particularly hard hit, with snow severely impacting the M2, the M20 around junctions 8 and 9, the A21 and the A249, with drivers struggling to get through.
Duty operations manager for the region, Gina Oxley, said: ‘We have been out gritting throughout the afternoon and we’re continuing to treat routes so we can reach the worst-affected areas and support our customers with their journeys.
‘For anyone thinking of travelling, our advice would be not to unless absolutely essential as heavy snow is expected to continue until 9am today.’
Thameslink says its services will be subject to late notice delays or cancellations, with most routes on the network affected.
Greater Anglia says passengers should not travel until after 9am if at all possible.
Met Office meteorologist, Rachel Ayers, said: ‘We could see 2cm to 5cm (of snow), perhaps up to 10cm in some places, with Kent and Sussex most affected, with areas most exposed such as North and South Downs and higher ground going to see the more significant accumulations.
‘There will be ice forming, particularly near to the coast where there is rain and sleet, and freezing temperatures which could cause some travel disruption to start Monday with that valid until 9am.’
Ms Ayers said that although cold temperatures, freezing fog and wintry showers are expected through the week, cloud cover could prevent some of the more extreme temperatures experienced in recent days.
She added that there is a possibility of slightly milder conditions arriving next weekend but it is too early to be certain.
The AA has advised motorists to adjust their driving to the freezing conditions today.
Sean Sidley, AA patrol of the year, said: ‘On a frosty morning, hazards like black ice can prove lethal if you don’t adjust your speed and driving style in colder weather.
‘Always leave plenty of space behind other vehicles as stopping distances can be 10 times longer on icy roads.
‘Allow extra time, as there may be delays to your normal routes, and make sure you pack winter essentials in the car such as warm, waterproof layers, a shovel, a torch, fully charged mobile phone and a flask of hot drink.
‘Take heed of warning lights in your vehicle and make sure you check it regularly if you drive less in the winter.
‘Flat batteries are one of the top breakdowns we attend in cold weather and can be avoided by regular car maintenance.’
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