United Kingdom: Snow causes widespread travel disruption Dec. 10; weather warnings in place

Event

Amber “be prepared” weather warnings have been issued across much of the United Kingdom until 18:00 (local time) on Sunday, December 10, as snowfall results in widespread disruption to travel. The heaviest snow has so far been seen between parts of Wales and the west and southern Midlands. Snowfall has also hit London and the south east and west of the country. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind for areas of eastern England, London, the South East, South West and Wales, that result in short-term loss of power and damage to property; disruption to power has been reported in areas of Scotland and Wales due to adverse weather conditions.

As of 12:00 (local time), the following disruptions may impact travelers in the country:

• London’s Stansted Airport (STN) and Luton Airport (LTN), Birmingham Airport (BHX) temporarily suspended flights whilst the runways were cleared; operations have mostly resumed, but delays and possible cancellations due to adverse weather are likely
•  Significantisruption to rail travel has been reported, including trains to and from London

• Widespread road closures and disruption including: the M25; the M1 Northbound (Between junction 16 and 17); M40 outside Warwick (between junction 15 and 16); A417 in Gloucestershire in both directions between the A429 and A436; A458 in Shropshire in both directions between the Welsh border and A5 near Shrewsbury

Advice

Individuals in the UK should monitor the situation, visit the MetOffice website for updated alerts and adhere to any advice issued by local authorities. Those in affected areas should prepare for travel delays, and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.