Manchester Airport has been forced to suspend flights and arrivals due to severe snow, affecting many passengers. Airport authorities have urged passengers to contact airlines for updated information about their flights.
More than 20 flights canceled, 200 flights delayed:
More than 20 flights have been canceled as of 15:30 GMT, while more than 200 flights are delayed. Also, more than a dozen Manchester-bound flights had to land at London Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Dublin, Glasgow, and Paris.
Impact on other airports as well:
Liverpool, Bristol, Birmingham, and Newcastle airports also had to temporarily close their runways due to the severe snow. However, now all the airports have reopened. Leeds Bradford Airport reopened the runway after 14:15 GMT, but has warned flights may be disrupted by snow during the day.
Impact on transportation system:
The A628 Woodhead Pass, which links Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire, has been closed in both directions due to snow. Also, the A66 has been closed in County Durham and Cumbria. Southbound traffic has been brought to a standstill following a collision on the A1 in South Yorkshire.
Preparatory Planning of National Highways:
Stuart Irons of National Highways said more than 500 gritting lorries have been kept ready and 240,000 tonnes of salt has been stockpiled. He added, “Snowfall continues to be heavy, mainly in the north. From the Midlands to the south, the snow is easing, but there is a risk of flooding due to melting snow as temperatures drop.”
Premier League match results:
Two safety meetings were also held on Sunday to check whether the snow would affect the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United. The match was eventually allowed to play, but Avanti West Coast said that due to problems at their depot, trains to Liverpool Lime Street station would be limited.
Weather forecast and warnings:
Heavy snow fell across much of England and North Wales from Saturday night into Sunday morning. Around 5cm of snow has accumulated in several cities, including Leeds and York. 30-40cm of snow is forecast for the mountains, Peak District, and Pennines in North Wales. There is a possibility of snow disturbance in low areas, and in some places, shivering may be felt due to snow mixing with rain.
Health measures and the cold crisis:
The temperature is expected to drop further from Monday. Amber cold weather health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency across England. Citizens have been urged to take extra care due to flooding and ice-cold conditions in northwest England and Wales.
Severe weather conditions have had a major impact on transport and air travel in England. The administration is taking measures for the safety of passengers, but it is important for citizens to remain alert and follow the instructions of the administration.