More snow and flooding hits UK as temperatures plummet to -13C overnight

James Harrison
A lorry makes it way through Studfold in the Yorkshire Dales. Large parts of the UK are facing heavy snow and freezing rain, which is likely to cause disruption, after two amber weather warnings came into force. Stranded vehicles on the roads, delayed or cancelled rail and air travel, and power cuts are all likely as the country grapples with a week-long spell of wintry conditions, the Met Office said. Picture date: Monday January 6, 2025. (Photo by Danny Lawson/PA Images via Getty Images)
A lorry makes it way through the snow in Studfold in the Yorkshire Dales on Monday. (PA) (Danny Lawson - PA Images via Getty Images)

The UK is set for more snow, ice, rain and flooding on Monday as the wintry weather continues.

It was the coldest night of winter so far from Sunday into Monday, with -13.3C recorded at Loch Glascarnoch in Scotland.

A number of weather warnings remain in place as commuters battle against severe travel disruption.

As of 2pm on Monday, there are more than 160 flood warnings in place in England, according to the Environment Agency, meaning flooding is likely, and about 300 flood alerts, meaning it is possible.

Although amber warnings for snow and ice have now passed following a weekend of heavy snow and rainfall in much of the UK, the Met Office still has several yellow weather warnings in place from Monday through to Wednesday.

Weather warnings for snow & ice Jan 6-7 2025. See story WEATHER Winter. Infographic PA Graphics. An editable version of this graphic is available if required. Please contact graphics@pamediagroup.com.
Weather warnings for snow and ice this week. (PA) (PA Wire)
Men and a dog walk through flood water at the Little Venice caravan park in Yalding Kent. Weather warnings remain in force across much of the UK on Monday with adverse conditions, including flooding from heavy rain and thawing snow. Picture date: Monday January 6, 2025. (Photo by Gareth Fuller/PA Images via Getty Images)
Two men and a dog walk through flood water at the Little Venice caravan park in Yalding, Kent. (PA) (Gareth Fuller - PA Images via Getty Images)

Manchester Airport's two runways were closed for a time because of heavy snow but have since reopened.

However, a number of roads are closed because of snow, flooding or crashes.

These include the A66 in Cumbria in both directions between the A1M and the M6 because of snow; the A1 in Lincolnshire in both directions between the A607 for Grantham and the B1174 for Little Ponton because of flooding and the M5 in Gloucestershire southbound from junction 11A for Gloucester to junction 12 for Quedgeley because of “extensive flooding”.

The M25 in Surrey is closed in the anti-clockwise direction from junction 10 for the A3 to junction eight for Reigate after a lorry struck the central reservation and cam to rest sideways across the carriageway.

The coldest January temperatures on record. (PA)
The coldest January temperatures on record. (PA) (PA Wire)

The Environment Agency said a combination of melting snow and rain could lead to “significant river flooding” in areas of Lancashire and Warwickshire, and it advised people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through flood water.

On the railway network, flooding has forced the closure of all lines between Derby and both Nottingham and East Midlands Parkway, affecting CrossCountry and East Midlands Railway services.

All lines between Peterborough and Leicester are also closed.

A vehicle is submerged under water near the River Devon, in Bottesford, Leicestershire. Weather warnings remain in force across much of the UK on Monday with adverse conditions, including flooding from heavy rain and thawing snow. Picture date: Monday January 6, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire
A vehicle is submerged under water near the River Devon in Bottesford, Leicestershire. (PA) (Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

Great Western Railway said its trains between Bristol Parkway and Gloucester are running at a reduced speed because of “heavy rain flooding the railway”.

TransPennine Express said severe weather is causing the same issue for its services between Barnetby and Scunthorpe in Lincolnshire.

Despite the coldest night of winter being recorded in Scotland, in contrast it was a mild 11C overnight at St James's Park in central London.

Temperatures are set to remain low for the rest of this week, the Met Office said.

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.

“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.”

A vehicle is driven along a snow covered road in Scotton, Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Heavy overnight snow is causing disruption across the UK as the cold start to the new year continues. Picture date: Sunday January 5, 2025. (Photo by Danny Lawson/PA Images via Getty Images)
A car drives along a snow covered road in Scotton, Harrogate, North Yorkshire. (Getty Images) (Danny Lawson - PA Images via Getty Images)
Chipping, Preston, Lancashire, UK 5th January 2025 An impressive snowman and cat built by a local resident outside the village hall, Chipping, Preston, Lancashire. Credit John Eveson/Alamy Live News.
An impressive snowman and cat outside the village hall in Chipping, Preston, Lancashire. (John Eveson/Alamy) (John Eveson)
Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. 5th January 2025. Heavy Snow Hits Leeds overnight, cars struggle to navigate the M621 motorway out of Leeds City Centre. Some vehicles abandoned. Photo taken on an overpass near Morley. Credit Paul Whitehurst/PBW Media/Alamy Live News
Cars struggle to navigate the M621 motorway out of Leeds City Centre on Sunday. (Alamy) (Paul B. Whitehurst)

The cold snap has triggered formal guidance for the public to take care of their health while temperatures plunge.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber "cold health alert" for all regions of England. It will be in place until at least midday on Wednesday.

Amber alerts mean a likelihood of a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.

The weather is likely to exacerbate pre-existing health conditions, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, while other vulnerable groups, such as rough sleepers, will also be at greater risk.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: "The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people... and it is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.

"These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures."

On Thursday, London councils activated an emergency accommodation protocol for people sleeping rough in freezing conditions. The emergency measures, which see extra beds made available, have been active for three nights so far this winter.

Speaking on Sky News, Age UK chief executive Paul Farmer said: "The very simple message to older people is to wrap up warm, put your heating on, and to make sure for the rest of us that we're keeping an eye on our neighbours, friends, family members who are older [and] might need that extra bit of help during this cold snap."

The government website advises that anyone struggling to heat their homes or afford other essential items over the colder months should contact their local council to see what support may be available to them.

Assistance available to help with heating bills includes:

  • Energy efficiency grants

  • The Energy Bills Support Scheme

  • Household Support Fund

  • Energy Saving Trust

Meanwhile, National Highways has advised people planning to travel over the weekend to check their vehicles, keep their distance on the roads and pack a "snow kit" of blankets, food, water and a shovel.

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