This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2017/jan/13/snow-high-winds-flooding-travel-chaos-britain-live-updates

The article has changed 29 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Snow, high winds and flooding bring travel chaos to Britain - live updates Snow, high winds and flooding bring travel chaos to Britain - live updates
(35 minutes later)
8.52am GMT
08:52
Nazia Parveen
In York the severe weather caused hazardous driving conditions on some roads.
A car overturned on the A170 at Sutton Bank. It is believed no-one was injured in the crash.
There has been a collision at Staxton Hill, which has been closed until further notice.
Police say there have been a number of collisions across the Ryedale and Scarborough area.
North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have urged motorists to take care on the roads.
8.49am GMT
08:49
Nazia Parveen
Manchester airport has warned that the weather is having an effect on flights and has urged travellers to contact their airline.
Due to this morning's weather conditions, we are experiencing some delays. Please contact your airline for specific flight updates.
Meanwhile, Oldham Council confirmed that seven schools in the area would be closed, including Alexander Park school, Greenfield Primary school and St Chads CofE Primary school.
Updated
at 8.52am GMT
8.37am GMT
08:37
Jaywick evacuation called off
Alexandra Topping
My colleague Alexandra Topping reports that due to a change in winds the evacuation in Jaywick, Essex, will no longer go ahead, according to Essex police.
Spoke to Matt Harkness in #Jaywick who confirmed that as the wind forecast has "changed dramatically" the town is no longer being evacuated
Matt Harkness, Essex police: "We are not evacuating but we are asking people to stay informed, in case we have to scale up the operation"
Updated
at 8.44am GMT
8.35am GMT
08:35
Richard Adams
The weather appears to have disrupted fewer schools than feared in the south of England.
Some schools in Surrey have delayed their opening to allow staff and students more time to arrive.
School will be open today but due to icy conditions there will be a late start for all students. Lessons will begin at 10.20 - period 2
In Suffolk, headteacher Geoff Barton is bracing himself:
Three flakes of snow spotted. It can only be a matter of time until I’m asked ‘Will school be closing?’ (and not necessarily by a student 😉)
8.31am GMT
08:31
Nazia Parveen
Parts of northern England woke up to blankets of snow this morning.
Following weather warnings from the Met Office, snow finally started falling across Greater Manchester late on Thursday.
Snow flurries continued this morning, with hilly areas such as Saddleworth and the Peak District receiving a thick covering.
Most parts of the region have had snow, including Oldham, Stockport, Blackley, Wythenshawe and Stalybridge with some schools in Oldham closing for the day.
The Snake Pass and the Woodhead Pass remained open today, but drivers were being warned of hazardous driving conditions.
Yellow weather warnings of snow remain in place until Friday evening but the morning sleet and snow is expected to clear southwards, leaving a clear sunny day.
However, it is expected to be a windy day and bitterly cold, with temperatures at 3C.
In Lancashire, police warned motorists to avoid a major valley road after heavy snowfall. A traffic alert by Rossendale police said drivers should not use Grane Road after thick snow brought traffic to a standstill. However, police have confirmed the road has been gritted again and has now reopened.
In Yorkshire, a flood warning remained in place today for the north bank of the Humber estuary amid concerns the combined impact of strong winds and peak spring tides.
Spurn nature reserve near Kilnsea will be closed to all visitors from noon on Thursday until further notice.
And temporary steel flood defences are being put in place by the Environment Agency on part of the North Lincolnshire coast.
The warning for the Humber was put in place on Wednesday and is likely to remain in effect until the weekend.
The agency said: “High tides are expected for the remainder of the week, increasing towards peak spring tides and strong winds on Friday. We will continue to monitor the situation.”
Meanwhile, part of the A1077 Sluice Road between South Ferriby and Winterton was closed from 9am on Thursday.
A North Lincolnshire council statement said this was to allow the Environment Agency to put in place temporary steel flood defences as a precautionary measure. The road is likely to remain closed until Sunday.
“The flood alerts have been issued due to the expected bad weather on Friday when severe gale force northerly winds are expected to generate large waves along the east coast, which could result in coastal flooding across Lincolnshire.”
Updated
at 8.39am GMT
8.21am GMT
08:21
Jamie Grierson
Some residents in Jaywick are reluctant to evacuate and have refused to leave, according to reports by the Press Association (PA).
Iris Smith, who was walking her dog on the beach this morning, said she was not worried. She told PA:
I’m not going at all. We have had it before with all the panic - knocking on doors, waking you up in the early hours - and nothing happened last time.
I am not worried at all. We are a big family down here, we look after each other,” the 62-year-old added, despite living seven houses back from the sea wall.
I am well prepared.
Seafront resident Rebecca Kenny, 31, said she would be staying put “unless things get drastically worse” because of her fear her home will be broken into.
I have animals, I also have a big fear of crime.
Unfortunately Clacton and Jaywick have a high crime rate and recently it’s been ridiculously bad for burglaries and I think it would be rich pickings for someone prepared to look around and see who’s there and who isn’t.
While I know the police are putting on extra patrols, they can’t cover the whole area the whole time.
With the security risk I don’t really want to leave the house.
Updated
at 8.30am GMT
8.14am GMT8.14am GMT
08:1408:14
Alexandra ToppingAlexandra Topping
It is all quiet in Jaywick this morning, with camera crews and journalists far outnumbering residents this early in the morning.It is all quiet in Jaywick this morning, with camera crews and journalists far outnumbering residents this early in the morning.
After heavy rain last night, skies are clear, although temperatures are around 2 to 3 degrees. After heavy rain last night, skies are clear, although temperatures are around 2C to 3C (35F to 37F).
I have just spoken to a trio of police officers who told me they have not yet been given orders to knock on doors and commence the evacuation.I have just spoken to a trio of police officers who told me they have not yet been given orders to knock on doors and commence the evacuation.
The situation with the weather is as yet unclear, but officers are walking through the town to answer any questions and give reassurance to residents.The situation with the weather is as yet unclear, but officers are walking through the town to answer any questions and give reassurance to residents.
“We want people to know we are here,” said one officer.“We want people to know we are here,” said one officer.
Police in #Jaywick are patrolling the town to give reassurance to residents. The call has not yet come to begin evacuation, officers told me pic.twitter.com/rvLF8WCot7
Around 17 left their homes to take refuge in the nearby Tendring education centre. Residents have been told they can take their pets after some residents refused to leave animals behind during a similar evacuation in 2013.Around 17 left their homes to take refuge in the nearby Tendring education centre. Residents have been told they can take their pets after some residents refused to leave animals behind during a similar evacuation in 2013.
Updated
at 8.23am GMT
8.10am GMT8.10am GMT
08:1008:10
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
The Environment Agency chief executive, Sir James Bevan, has been speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.The Environment Agency chief executive, Sir James Bevan, has been speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
He said he did not think the storm would be as powerful as that which caused the east coast flood of 1953, which has been described as the worst national peacetime disaster to hit the UK. But he said there could be “potentially significant effects” – including flooding:He said he did not think the storm would be as powerful as that which caused the east coast flood of 1953, which has been described as the worst national peacetime disaster to hit the UK. But he said there could be “potentially significant effects” – including flooding:
It’s very important to underline that there are two high tides today coming down the east coast, north to south.It’s very important to underline that there are two high tides today coming down the east coast, north to south.
The first is coming in at the moment slightly under the height that we expected, the second, due this evening, may come out slightly higher than has been anticipated.The first is coming in at the moment slightly under the height that we expected, the second, due this evening, may come out slightly higher than has been anticipated.
And so we will stay very active throughout the day on the ground, we will continue to warn and inform the communities that are at risk, and I would like to urge everybody to remain vigilant and to continue to follow our flood warnings.And so we will stay very active throughout the day on the ground, we will continue to warn and inform the communities that are at risk, and I would like to urge everybody to remain vigilant and to continue to follow our flood warnings.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.15am GMTat 8.15am GMT
8.09am GMT8.09am GMT
08:0908:09
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Emergency services in Essex are preparing to assist with the evacuation.Emergency services in Essex are preparing to assist with the evacuation.
07:15 Crews ready to assist with the evacuation in Jaywick https://t.co/dldeowI6Pi pic.twitter.com/cSklLuMd2S07:15 Crews ready to assist with the evacuation in Jaywick https://t.co/dldeowI6Pi pic.twitter.com/cSklLuMd2S
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.15am GMTat 8.15am GMT
8.05am GMT8.05am GMT
08:0508:05
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
John Curtin, executive director of flood and coastal risk management at the Environment Agency, has posted information about the height of waves heading toward the east coast, which he says will be crucial.John Curtin, executive director of flood and coastal risk management at the Environment Agency, has posted information about the height of waves heading toward the east coast, which he says will be crucial.
Wave heights & direction will be key to east coast flood risk today - you can track them here #floodaware https://t.co/SGW22K9Yjn pic.twitter.com/WWjBQLony9Wave heights & direction will be key to east coast flood risk today - you can track them here #floodaware https://t.co/SGW22K9Yjn pic.twitter.com/WWjBQLony9
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.08am GMTat 8.08am GMT
8.02am GMT8.02am GMT
08:0208:02
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
The number of severe flood warnings has dropped again to 13, the Environment Agency said.The number of severe flood warnings has dropped again to 13, the Environment Agency said.
There are currently 13 severe flood warnings, 82 warnings and 80 alerts in force in England and Wales.There are currently 13 severe flood warnings, 82 warnings and 80 alerts in force in England and Wales.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.08am GMTat 8.08am GMT
7.57am GMT7.57am GMT
07:5707:57
Alexandra ToppingAlexandra Topping
My colleague, Alexandra Topping, is in Jaywick, Essex, where residents are being evacuated due to severe flood risk.My colleague, Alexandra Topping, is in Jaywick, Essex, where residents are being evacuated due to severe flood risk.
Some residents have already been moved to temporary accommodation, overnight but otherwise all is fairly quiet, she reports Some residents were moved to temporary accommodation overnight but otherwise all is fairly quiet, she reports.
However, the warnings issued by the Environment Agency are for high tide, which is around 12:30pm.However, the warnings issued by the Environment Agency are for high tide, which is around 12:30pm.
Quiet sunrise in #Jaywick this morning where residents have been told to evacuate the town because of #flooding risk today. pic.twitter.com/iItHJtDo7sQuiet sunrise in #Jaywick this morning where residents have been told to evacuate the town because of #flooding risk today. pic.twitter.com/iItHJtDo7s
Updated
at 8.26am GMT
7.51am GMT7.51am GMT
07:5107:51
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Thundersnow is a rare weather phenomenon which looks set to make an appearance in the UK over the next couple of days.Thundersnow is a rare weather phenomenon which looks set to make an appearance in the UK over the next couple of days.
Here’s a video explainer of what thundersnow actually is.Here’s a video explainer of what thundersnow actually is.
7.47am GMT7.47am GMT
07:4707:47
Number of severe flood warnings rises againNumber of severe flood warnings rises again
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
There are now 16 Environment Agency severe flood warnings issued for England and Wales, which you can see here.There are now 16 Environment Agency severe flood warnings issued for England and Wales, which you can see here.
Severe warnings constitute danger to life. There are also 78 warnings, which suggest flooding is expected and immediate action is required and 80 alerts, which mean flooding is possible and residents should be prepared.Severe warnings constitute danger to life. There are also 78 warnings, which suggest flooding is expected and immediate action is required and 80 alerts, which mean flooding is possible and residents should be prepared.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.56am GMTat 7.56am GMT
7.44am GMT7.44am GMT
07:4407:44
The British Red Cross has placed volunteers on standby to support emergency services.The British Red Cross has placed volunteers on standby to support emergency services.
Volunteers in Essex, Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire are preparing to support affected residents in rest centres.Volunteers in Essex, Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire are preparing to support affected residents in rest centres.
We're ready to respond to the storm surge on England's east coast, with volunteers in Essex, Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire.We're ready to respond to the storm surge on England's east coast, with volunteers in Essex, Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.46am GMTat 7.46am GMT
7.33am GMT7.33am GMT
07:3307:33
Suffolk police are warning residents to keep away from coastal areas.Suffolk police are warning residents to keep away from coastal areas.
The waves and high water may look impressive but pose a huge danger so please avoid seafront and quay areas #NothingToSeeHere #SuffolkFloods pic.twitter.com/egJbS8tjdyThe waves and high water may look impressive but pose a huge danger so please avoid seafront and quay areas #NothingToSeeHere #SuffolkFloods pic.twitter.com/egJbS8tjdy
7.31am GMT7.31am GMT
07:3107:31
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Snow and strong wind have made driving hazardous in the north east of England, according to reports. Snow and strong winds have made driving hazardous in the north-east of England, according to reports.
The official North East Traffic News Twitter feed reported that up to 50 cars were stuck on a slip road off the A1 at Etal Lane, Newcastle.The official North East Traffic News Twitter feed reported that up to 50 cars were stuck on a slip road off the A1 at Etal Lane, Newcastle.
It also reported a lorry had overturned, blocking the road onto the main carriageway of the A1 at Brownieside, Northumberland. It also reported a lorry had overturned, blocking the road on to the main carriageway of the A1 at Brownieside, Northumberland.
On the A19 which links Teesside to Wearside and Tyneside, there was a crash involving 15 vehicles on the northbound carriageway at Peterlee. On the A19, which links Teesside to Wearside and Tyneside, there was a crash involving 15 vehicles on the northbound carriageway at Peterlee.
Northern Powergrid said there were 600 homes in Hebburn, South Tyneside which were without power but expected the problem to be resolved by 9am. Northern Powergrid said 600 homes in Hebburn, South Tyneside, were without power but it expected the problem to be resolved by 9am.
Looking at snowfall, by 4am Tulloch Bridge had received 8cm in an hour, taking the total to 17cm.Looking at snowfall, by 4am Tulloch Bridge had received 8cm in an hour, taking the total to 17cm.
Heavy #snow currently across #Scotland. Tulloch Bridge in Inverness-shire has received 8cm in the past hour, taking their total to 17cm ❄️ pic.twitter.com/01UAwPs6LFHeavy #snow currently across #Scotland. Tulloch Bridge in Inverness-shire has received 8cm in the past hour, taking their total to 17cm ❄️ pic.twitter.com/01UAwPs6LF
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.41am GMT at 8.27am GMT
7.25am GMT7.25am GMT
07:2507:25
Number of severe flood warnings increasesNumber of severe flood warnings increases
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
The number of areas where flooding poses a threat to life has been increased to 12 by the Environment Agency.The number of areas where flooding poses a threat to life has been increased to 12 by the Environment Agency.
The severe warnings are in place for coastal areas of Essex and Suffolk while dozens of lesser flood warnings have been imposed as the east coast braces itself for a storm surge.The severe warnings are in place for coastal areas of Essex and Suffolk while dozens of lesser flood warnings have been imposed as the east coast braces itself for a storm surge.
The warnings take in Clacton to Lee Wick, West Mersea, The Strood and adjacent marshland, and tidal River Stour at Mistley, including the Quay and the Walls, all in Essex.The warnings take in Clacton to Lee Wick, West Mersea, The Strood and adjacent marshland, and tidal River Stour at Mistley, including the Quay and the Walls, all in Essex.
Coastal communities in Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex have been told they should be prepared for large waves and possible flooding.Coastal communities in Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex have been told they should be prepared for large waves and possible flooding.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.40am GMTat 7.40am GMT
7.20am GMT7.20am GMT
07:2007:20
Morning summaryMorning summary
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Good morning and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the severe weather forecast to cause havoc across much of Britain.Good morning and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the severe weather forecast to cause havoc across much of Britain.
Here is a summary of the picture across the country:Here is a summary of the picture across the country:
The number of areas where flooding poses a threat to life, according to the Environment Agency, has been increased to 12 as emergency services prepare to evacuate residents from their homes.The number of areas where flooding poses a threat to life, according to the Environment Agency, has been increased to 12 as emergency services prepare to evacuate residents from their homes.
Seafront residents in Jaywick, near Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, are being moved to temporary accommodation as the Environment Agency warned coastal communities in Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex to prepare for gale-force winds, large waves and possible flooding on Friday.Seafront residents in Jaywick, near Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, are being moved to temporary accommodation as the Environment Agency warned coastal communities in Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex to prepare for gale-force winds, large waves and possible flooding on Friday.
The Ministry of Defence said about 100 soldiers from the Catterick army base in Yorkshire had been deployed to Skegness on the Lincolnshire coast.The Ministry of Defence said about 100 soldiers from the Catterick army base in Yorkshire had been deployed to Skegness on the Lincolnshire coast.
Scotland and the north of England are covered in a blanket of snow, causing travel disruption and school closures.Scotland and the north of England are covered in a blanket of snow, causing travel disruption and school closures.
80 flights were cancelled at Heathrow and four at Gatwick.80 flights were cancelled at Heathrow and four at Gatwick.
Here’s our latest story on the conditions.Here’s our latest story on the conditions.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.38am GMT at 8.28am GMT