The return of the Beast
SNOWY WEATHER BACK WITH A VENGEANCE IN NORTH EAST
THE North East was blanketed in yet more snow as a fresh blast of wintry weather caused travel disruption.
A fortnight after the Beast from the East caused mayhem in the region, flights from Newcastle Airport were cancelled and drivers were warned of treacherous driving conditions following the latest round of snowfall.
Seven domestic flights to airports such as Aberdeen and Heathrow were postponed, while warnings for black ice were issued for the A68 northbound near Corbridge.
The A66 from County Durham to Cumbria remained closed yesterday in both directions as police made efforts to clear stranded vehicles.
A number of bus services around Consett were disrupted as a result of the weather, as Highways England advised drivers to allow extra time for journeys.
The Met Office issued a weather warning for snow and ice from 6pm on Friday which remains in place until 10am today.
The chief forecaster from the Met Office said: “After a very cold day on Sunday, temperatures are likely to fall well below freezing across many areas into the start of Monday.
“This will lead to any partly-melted snow refreezing.
“Snow in the south and south west of England will be slower to clear and may take until morning before dying out completely, whilst some wintry showers may continue to affect eastern coasts, falling onto subzero surfaces.”
Blizzard conditions affected roads early on Sunday morning with drivers warned to take care and avoid unnecessary journeys.
In Consett, temperatures dropped as low as -3C, with light snow showers followed by heavier ones later on.
Elsewhere in the country, the socalled mini Beast from the East has wrought havoc.
‘Risk to life’ warnings have been issued for swathes of the country, with up to 25cm of snow set to fall in places and temperatures down to -8C in places.
The bitter weather front caused widespread travel disruption, with dozens of flights cancelled at London Heathrow, Gatwick and other airports across the country.
More heavy snow is expected to fall in Scotland, and many eastern and southern areas of the country, including Hampshire, Sussex and Kent.