United Kingdom: Transportation disruptions due to snow March 18 /update 1

Event

Snowfall and icy conditions have caused significant disruption to travel across the UK on Sunday, March 18. Following snowy conditions throughout Saturday and into Sunday morning, police have warned of hazardous driving conditions, with numerous roads made impassable by snow and ice. Rail lines have also been affected, including cancellation of trains on lines between Bedwyn and Newbury until 13:00 (local time) and between Exeter and Barnstaple until 12:00. The adverse weather has forced a halt to operations at Bristol airport (BRS) until 12:00, while East Midlands (EMA) airport is expected to reopen at 09:30. Disruptions have also been reported at London's Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Luton (LTN) and Stanstead (STN) airports, with hundreds of flights cancelled from LHR on Sunday. Residual delays and further cancellations are expected over the coming hours and into tomorrow.

The UK Met Office has issued amber and yellow weather warnings for snow and ice across much of the UK for Sunday and Monday, March 19. The most adversely affected regions, with amber warnings (the second highest on a three-tiered scale, possible  risk to life) in affect are the North West, South West, Wales, the Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber, South East England and London. Yellow (be aware) warnings are in place for much of the rest of the UK, with bitter cold conditions and heavy winds also forecast for parts of the country.

Additional air and rail disruptions as well as hazardous driving conditions are to be anticipated in the coming hours and days.

Context

Individuals present in the United Kingdom are advised to monitor local weather reports and alerts issued by the Met Office, confirm travel reservations, and allow additional time for travel.