Snow Strikes UK, Grounding Planes, Closing Highways and Leaving 24,000 Without Power

By Tom Ozimek
December 27, 2017 Last Updated: December 27, 2017
Inclement weather in the UK has paralysed traffic, grounded planes and left tens of thousands in blackout conditions. (Stock photo via CC0)

Snowstorms have hit the UK on the night of Dec. 26 and morning of Dec. 27, paralysing traffic on major thoroughfares, leaving thousands of homes without power, and causing flight delays and possible cancellations.

Highways England has multiple traffic advisories on its website, with “severe delays” expected on the A30.

“The A30 in Cornwall is closed both directions between the A3074 and the B3301 due to an incident,” it warns.

Devon and Cornwall police are urging drivers to take extra care following a series of crashes, ITV reported.

Severe weather conditions are affecting the A14 highway in both directions between the M6/M1 and J3, Northamptonshire Police say.

Authorities are urging drivers to seek alternative routes.

“Severe delays on the A14 between J8 and the M1 are being caused by a number of broken down HGVs. One lane is open and Highways England has all available resources out to clear the traffic. Police 4×4 vehicles continue to check on the welfare of those stuck in stationary traffic,” police said.

A transport truck crash had closed all three lanes of the M1 highway southbound before junction 19, as reported by SkyNews.

Police told reporters the accident was likely caused by the poor driving conditions.

“There has been an accident involving a lorry. Unfortunately, all lanes are currently blocked. Police and Highways are aware and are currently dealing. Please make alternative travel arrangements. Updates to follow,” police tweeted, according to SkyNews.

Another accident had closed the M5 in Gloucestershire. The police tweeted this photo along with a warning to avoid driving in the area if possible.

Passengers flying out of Stansted Airport were reportedly delayed as the runway was closed temporarily for safety checks.

Luton Airport issued a warning to travellers to expect possible delays and/or cancellations due to sleet and snow. Passengers are also advised to check with their airline for current flight status.

A delay of over two hours reportedly affected Luton passengers to allow for plane de-icing.

Birmingham Airport flights were suspended in the early hours of Wednesday, with passengers being requested to check with airlines for flight status updates.

Some flights due to land at Birmingham were apparently put on holding patterns to allow for runways to be cleared or for possible diversion to backup airports.

Western Power Distribution (WPD) confirmed nearly 14,000 homes were without electricity across southwestern and central parts of the country, according to SkyNews.

Here is a WPD incident map.

In addition, power supply company SSE stated that approximately 10,000 of its customers are without power, according to the news outlet.

Britain’s Environment Agency has also reportedly issued 14 flood warning and 96 flood alerts.

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