02/02/2009
Heavy Snow Causes Chaos Across Britain
Heavy snow and wintry weather is causing chaos across Britain, with hundreds of schools being forced to shut and bus, train and air travel services temporarily closed.
South-east England is the worst affected by the worst snow seen in the area for 18 years. As a result both Heathrow runways have been closed and all London buses have been pulled from service.
Gatwick Airport and London City Airport were also both temporarily closed, as their runways were de-iced.
A number of train services linking London and the south coast were also delayed or cancelled as snow fell on the tracks.
Transport London, issued a statement on its website saying: "All London buses have been withdrawn from service due to adverse weather and dangerous road conditions."
It added that buses would only start back "when road conditions allow".
Meanwhile more than 370 schools in Essex were closed due to the weather, while in Suffolk around 125 schools shut.
In Kent it was reported 50 schools have closed their doors and nearly 20 in Lincolnshire were affected by the wintry conditions.
The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for parts of Scotland, the north east and west, Yorkshire, the Midlands, London and the south east.
It is warning up to 30cm of snow could fall in some areas, while many will see at least five to 10cm before the end of the day.
Tom Defty, of the Met Office, said: "This is likely to be the heaviest and most widespread snowfall across England since January 2003.
"Parts of South-East England, including London and Eastern England, will see anywhere from 6in, perhaps above 10in over the higher ground.
"Severe disruption to roads and airports is extremely probable during the peak of the Monday afternoon rush-hour."
The AA has also warned motorists to drive carefully, as a number of traffic accidents were reported. They also advised drivers to keep warm clothes in their vehicles after they dealt with motorists “flirting with hypothermia” at breakdowns during last night's big freeze.
AA Patrol of the Year Andy Taylor said: "People often treat their car as an overcoat. But when you break down you are suddenly vulnerable to the weather.
"If you break down on a motorway, the safety advice is to get out of the car and wait behind the barrier. Unless you have extra clothes you really are flirting with hypothermia."
(JM/BMcC)
South-east England is the worst affected by the worst snow seen in the area for 18 years. As a result both Heathrow runways have been closed and all London buses have been pulled from service.
Gatwick Airport and London City Airport were also both temporarily closed, as their runways were de-iced.
A number of train services linking London and the south coast were also delayed or cancelled as snow fell on the tracks.
Transport London, issued a statement on its website saying: "All London buses have been withdrawn from service due to adverse weather and dangerous road conditions."
It added that buses would only start back "when road conditions allow".
Meanwhile more than 370 schools in Essex were closed due to the weather, while in Suffolk around 125 schools shut.
In Kent it was reported 50 schools have closed their doors and nearly 20 in Lincolnshire were affected by the wintry conditions.
The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for parts of Scotland, the north east and west, Yorkshire, the Midlands, London and the south east.
It is warning up to 30cm of snow could fall in some areas, while many will see at least five to 10cm before the end of the day.
Tom Defty, of the Met Office, said: "This is likely to be the heaviest and most widespread snowfall across England since January 2003.
"Parts of South-East England, including London and Eastern England, will see anywhere from 6in, perhaps above 10in over the higher ground.
"Severe disruption to roads and airports is extremely probable during the peak of the Monday afternoon rush-hour."
The AA has also warned motorists to drive carefully, as a number of traffic accidents were reported. They also advised drivers to keep warm clothes in their vehicles after they dealt with motorists “flirting with hypothermia” at breakdowns during last night's big freeze.
AA Patrol of the Year Andy Taylor said: "People often treat their car as an overcoat. But when you break down you are suddenly vulnerable to the weather.
"If you break down on a motorway, the safety advice is to get out of the car and wait behind the barrier. Unless you have extra clothes you really are flirting with hypothermia."
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 January 2007
Weather warnings issued following snow
The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for parts of England and Scotland following snow overnight. Warnings are in place in the East coast of England, central and southern London, the Midlands and the Grampian region in Scotland. An average of 2cm of snow fell in London, Surrey, Sussex and Kent overnight.
Weather warnings issued following snow
The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for parts of England and Scotland following snow overnight. Warnings are in place in the East coast of England, central and southern London, the Midlands and the Grampian region in Scotland. An average of 2cm of snow fell in London, Surrey, Sussex and Kent overnight.
08 May 2009
Man Jailed For Attempted Murder Of Pc
A south London man has been jailed for 25 years for tying to shoot a policeman. Michael Mitchell, 32, of Babington Road, Streatham, was convicted of attempting to murder Pc Shaun Callow, possession of a firearm and possession of drugs with intent to supply.
Man Jailed For Attempted Murder Of Pc
A south London man has been jailed for 25 years for tying to shoot a policeman. Michael Mitchell, 32, of Babington Road, Streatham, was convicted of attempting to murder Pc Shaun Callow, possession of a firearm and possession of drugs with intent to supply.
27 April 2007
Oxford Street partially closed after fire
Oxford Street in central London remains partially closed following a fire, due to fears that a building may collapse. The blaze started just before 7pm on Thursday evening above the New Look store, next door to Marks & Spencer.
Oxford Street partially closed after fire
Oxford Street in central London remains partially closed following a fire, due to fears that a building may collapse. The blaze started just before 7pm on Thursday evening above the New Look store, next door to Marks & Spencer.
13 November 2007
Women Motorists 'More Prepared' For Bad Weather
Women drivers are more likely to get caught out by severe weather, according to new research published by the Highways Agency. A survey of nearly 1,300 road users showed that women were less likely than men to make a journey by car after hearing a severe weather warning. Only 44% of women said that they would continue, compared with 62% of men.
Women Motorists 'More Prepared' For Bad Weather
Women drivers are more likely to get caught out by severe weather, according to new research published by the Highways Agency. A survey of nearly 1,300 road users showed that women were less likely than men to make a journey by car after hearing a severe weather warning. Only 44% of women said that they would continue, compared with 62% of men.
21 February 2005
Heavy snow expected across Britain
Drivers are being warned to be extra cautious as the UK faces a weeklong spell of treacherous winter weather. Heavy snow is expected across the UK and the Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for northeast England, Yorkshire and Northern Ireland.
Heavy snow expected across Britain
Drivers are being warned to be extra cautious as the UK faces a weeklong spell of treacherous winter weather. Heavy snow is expected across the UK and the Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for northeast England, Yorkshire and Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.