Schools shut, major airport closes runways due to ‘heavy snow’ & significant flooding to hit after -11C weekend carnage

BRITS are facing travel chaos and school closures this morning with warnings in place for snow, ice and flooding across the UK.

Heavy snow over the weekend led to major disruption, including airports closing runways, while cars were left stranded.

Temperatures then plummeted to -11C overnight.

But the thawing snow, combined with heavy rain, means fresh hazards for the start of the new week in some areas.

Met Office warnings for snow, ice and rain remain in place until this afternoon.

The Environment Agency has also issued nearly 400 warnings and alerts for flooding.

Deputy chief forecaster Mike Silverstone said: “The low pressure that brought the snow and heavy rain in the south will move out to the east by Monday.

“This will allow a cold northerly flow to become established again for much of next week.

“This will bring further sleet, snow and hail showers to northern Scotland in particular, but possibly to some other areas, especially near western coasts, with a fair amount of dry and bright weather elsewhere.”

He added: “Temperatures will remain below average, with widespread frost and the threat of ice at times.

“Some areas, especially in the north, may struggle to get above freezing for several days.”

Many local authorities are yet to decide on whether schools will be open, and must assess overnight’s snowfall in order to reach a call.

Families are advised to use the government’s tool – which collates such data – to find out if their school is open. You just need to enter your postcode in the toolbar here.

Leeds Bradford Airport warned passengers last night that disruption caused by the bad weather is likely to continue into Monday.

Manchester Airport has reopened both its runways but has warned “some departures and arrivals may still experience delays”.

Posting on X the airport adds: “Please check with your airline for the latest flight information and allow extra time for your journey today.

“We would like to thank our teams for their hard work in getting the runways operational again.”

However, Liverpool John Lennon Airport reopened its runway yesterday and flights are operating as normal, though the weather is leading to some disruptions.

And Newcastle said on Sunday its runway is fully cleared.

Flooding and trees have also blocked various rail line.

The CrossCountry and East Midlands Railway is closed between Nottingham and Grantham due to flooding at Elton & Orston.

More flooding has also blocked all lines between Peterborough and Leicester.

National Rail says heavy rain flooding the railway between Worcester Shrub Hill and Hereford has closed some lines leading to delays and cancellations.

A tree has fallen on the Southeastern line between Ramsgate and Canterbury West, with disruption expected to last until 9am.

Most services on the London Underground are open and running a good service – apart from the Piccadilly Line between Uxbridge and Rayners Lane which has been shut since November due to damage caused by leaf fall.