UK’s heaviest snowfall disrupts transport
Print Edition
The heaviest snowfall to hit Britain in four years caused widespread disruption yesterday, with roads becoming hazardous and flights grounded following runway closures.
Birmingham Airport, serving the country’s second biggest city, suspended flights yesterday morning, as staff worked to clear the runway amid heavy snow.
A spokeswoman said they expected it to reopen early afternoon.
The airport, which typically handles around 30,000 passengers and 200 flights a day in December, diverted 11 flights elsewhere and expected to cancel more than that, she added.
Meanwhile, London Luton Airport closed its runway for two hours before reopening around 1130 GMT to departing aircraft, according to a spokesman.
It had opened to incoming flights by early afternoon.
“All flights (are) subject to delay or cancelation,” he said.
Delayed passengers took to Twitter to complain, with one frustrated traveler describing the airport as “like a war zone.”
Police forces in worst-hit Wales and central England urged motorists not to travel unless “absolutely necessary” as they dealt with surging calls.
A spokesman for the Highways England agency said there had been road incidents “all over the place.”
The flurries continued to fall into the afternoon, raising the prospect of roads becoming impassable.
Swathes of Britain were hit by the snowfall yesterday, with significant accumulation in central and western regions, according to the Met Office, the country’s official weather service.
Sennybridge, in Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales, topped the records with 30cm, while Coleshill, close to Birmingham, received 10cm, it said.
Meanwhile, light snow and sleet fell through the morning in London, leaving Northolt, on the outskirts of the capital, with a covering of 2cm, the Met Office said.
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