Coldest night of the year leads to travel disruption across country
THE COLDEST night of the year so far led to fresh disruption as flights were cancelled, schools remained closed and drivers faced lengthy delays in parts of the country.
Vast swathes of the country fell below freezing on Monday night and yesterday morning – with minus 13C (8.6F) recorded in Shropshire – and forecasters warned of another “chilly” night to come last night.
At least 16 flights from Heathrow were cancelled yesterday as airlines continued to recover from disruption caused by heavy snow.
The UK’s busiest airport said its runways were open and fully operational.
British Airways said it planned to operate a “near normal schedule” yesterday but passengers due to fly to or from Heathrow were given the option of a full refund or re-booking for travel until December 18.
Passengers travelling on Eurotunnel Le Shuttle services in both directions between Folkestone and Calais faced estimated delays of up to six hours after “horrific” weather conditions damaged the power supply, particularly on the continent, the company said. AA president Edmund King said Tuesday was “extremely busy” as freezing temperatures cause “even more hazardous conditions on already wet and slippery roads”. Clear skies overnight on Monday saw temperatures plummet below the minus 12.4C (9.6F) low recorded on Saturday night – with the Met Office recording a new low in Shawbury, north east of Shrewsbury.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice until 11am today, covering large parts of the country, including the Midlands, Northern Ireland, Wales, the eastern coast of England and parts of Scotland.
Today in Yorkshire temperatures are expected to be warmer but with rain in most parts of the county.
Tomorrow is expected to be cloudy but Friday and Saturday will be sunny.