UK: Weather-related disruptions ongoing across parts of the country as of Jan. 6 /update 4

Weather-related disruptions are ongoing across parts of the UK as of Jan. 6 following adverse weather in recent days. Parts of England and Wales have been worst affected. Heavy snowfall fell over parts of Wales and northern and central England Jan. 4-5, with heavy rainfall in areas further south. More than 200 schools are closed across parts of northern England and around 100 others in parts of Scotland Jan. 6. Several rail lines remain disrupted across parts of central and western England and north Wales. Roads remain closed in many areas, including a section of the M25 in Surrey after a lorry toppled over due to the severe weather. Airports across northern and central England were closed on Jan. 5, and although operations are beginning to resume as runways have been cleared of snow, delays are ongoing at Manchester Airport (MAN) as of Jan. 6. Flooding is ongoing across parts of central and southern England and hundreds of flood warnings remain in place across parts of England and Wales as of Jan. 6. Officials have warned further flooding is possible in areas affected by snowfall due to snow melt.

Further adverse weather is expected across parts of the UK in the coming days; additional precipitation and icy conditions may exacerbate ongoing disruptions and lead to further flooding in affected areas. As of Jan. 6, the UK Met Office has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Yellow snow and ice warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale): Across Northern Ireland, much of Wales, parts of northern and western Scotland, and parts of western England Jan. 6-7.

• Yellow snow warnings: Parts of southern England Jan. 8.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is maintaining amber cold health alerts across England as of Jan. 6. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in affected areas over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of motorway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at airports in regions where heavy snow is forecast.