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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)
10.40am GMT
10:40
❄️Some snowy scenes across the UK⛄️ #uksnow pic.twitter.com/x8bUi7T33u
10.37am GMT
10:37
Alexandra Topping
The wind had picked up in Jaywick, it is bitterly cold and the snow has started to fall again.
The tide is rising, and is expected to peak at around midday.
One resident told the Guardian he had been told that transport to the centre had been - for the moment at least- suspended. Residents have said they are angry about the decision, and need more information about the evacuation.
Robert, who did not want to give his surname, said he was feeling“angry and frustrated” after being told that transport to the refugecentre had been suspended.“I was told to evacuate, but I didn’t want to leave the house and thedogs. But this morning I wanted to get the missus and the baby to the centre and they told me the transport is suspended.“I’m getting mixed messages from everywhere, we don’t know what is happening and I’ve got no way of getting there.”
The centre remains open, but there it is unclear that a concertedevacuation is under way since the environment risk has beendowngraded.A police officer said that they are currently in a “holding pattern”,waiting to gauge the weather risk.Earlier this morning a police officer told the Guardian it was“unlikely” the sea wall would be breached and police were not telling people to leave there homes, but to keep abreast of developments.
Updated
at 10.38am GMT
10.27am GMT
10:27
Alexandra Topping
Robert, who did not want to give his surname, in Jaywick, said he was feeling “angry and frustrated” after being told that transport to the refuge centre had been suspended. He said:
I was told to evacuate, but I didn’t want to leave the house and the dogs. But this morning I wanted to get the missus and the baby to the centre and they told me the transport is suspended.
I’m getting mixed messages from everywhere, we don’t know what is happening and I’ve got no way of getting there.
10.25am GMT
10:25
Nazia Parveen
A 4x4 overturned on the A170 in North Yorkshire this morning. No one was injured in the crash at Sutton Bank in the North Yorkshire Moors.
North Yorkshire police tweeted a picture of the white jeep:
#A170 #SuttonBank currently closed due to RTC. Fortunately no injuries, please use alternative route whilst we deal & take care out there pic.twitter.com/5oE57y9mx5
Updated
at 10.32am GMT
10.23am GMT
10:23
Nazia Parveen
WEATHER UPDATE: The morning high tide passed without incident. @East_Riding is now preparing for this evening's tide https://t.co/4rAVQUpleV
10.22am GMT
10:22
Alexandra Topping
More from Alexandra Topping on the situation in Jaywick.
I've spoken to other officers who have told me they are in a "holding pattern" after the weather threat in #jaywick has been downgraded.
After being told the evacuation in #jaywick is off by a police officer, have not yet got office confirmation of that from Essex police.
Another officer told me a final decision on #Jaywick evacuation will be made public "hopefully within half an hour"
10.20am GMT
10:20
Nazia Parveen
A firefighter waded through freezing water to try to find a missing dog in Middlesbrough.
Three engines raced to the Centre Square lake after the staffordshire terrier was reported missing this morning.
And as the pet’s owner watched on, a firefighter plunged into the water in a desperate bid to find it, but crews called off the search before 9am this morning.
Updated
at 10.34am GMT
9.53am GMT9.53am GMT
09:5309:53
Nazia ParveenNazia Parveen
Drivers faced disruption on the A1 after a lorry jacknifed in Northumberland.Drivers faced disruption on the A1 after a lorry jacknifed in Northumberland.
It happened during rush hour on the northbound stretch of the A1 at Brownieside, near the B6347 junction. The rush-hour crash happened on the northbound stretch of the A1 at Brownieside, near the B6347 junction.
Emergency services arrived at the scene and the road was blocked until the vehicle was cleared away from the carriageway. The road was blocked until emergency services cleared the vehicle from the carriageway.
Northumbria Police said there was heavy snow across the region and drivers were being advised to take care on the roads. Northumbria police said there was heavy snow across the region and drivers were being advised to take care.
A spokesman said:A spokesman said:
Make sure you leave extra time for your journey and drive responsibly when you do get behind the wheel.Make sure you leave extra time for your journey and drive responsibly when you do get behind the wheel.
The roads across the region are passable with care but some minor roads will be badly affected, particularly in Northumberland, so make sure you reduce your speed.The roads across the region are passable with care but some minor roads will be badly affected, particularly in Northumberland, so make sure you reduce your speed.
Our officers will be working with the local authorities to ensure roads are safe and assist anyone who gets into difficulty.” Our officers will be working with the local authorities to ensure roads are safe and assist anyone who gets into difficulty.
Elsewhere, 16 vehicles were involved in an accident on the northbound A19 in the Easington area of County Durham, causing rush-hour delays for commuters.Elsewhere, 16 vehicles were involved in an accident on the northbound A19 in the Easington area of County Durham, causing rush-hour delays for commuters.
And around 50 vehicles were stuck on the northbound A1 Western Bypass, on the slip road for Etal Lane, at the Kenton Lane junction, due to bad weather.And around 50 vehicles were stuck on the northbound A1 Western Bypass, on the slip road for Etal Lane, at the Kenton Lane junction, due to bad weather.
The area was cleared by around 7.15am.The area was cleared by around 7.15am.
Updated
at 10.11am GMT
9.50am GMT9.50am GMT
09:5009:50
Steven MorrisSteven Morris
Motorists were warned to beware of ice and snow on the roads of south-west England and many parts of Wales. Motorists are being warned to beware of ice and snow on the roads of south-west England and many parts of Wales.
The Met Office issued a yellow warning for snow and ice for the whole of Wales, predicting that up to 4cm of snow could affect even low-lying areas while up to 10cm could cover the hills and mountains.The Met Office issued a yellow warning for snow and ice for the whole of Wales, predicting that up to 4cm of snow could affect even low-lying areas while up to 10cm could cover the hills and mountains.
There were some problems – a lorry overturned near Llanwrtyd Wells in mid Wales while the A484 was blocked for a while in Carmarthenshire after a tree fell across the road. One carriageway of the M48 Severn Bridge was closed in both directions due to strong wind but opened later. There were some problems on the roads. A lorry overturned near Llanwrtyd Wells in mid-Wales while the A484 was blocked in Carmarthenshire after a tree fell across the road. One carriageway of the M48 Severn Bridge was closed in both directions due to strong wind but opened later.
There were lots of very pretty scenes.There were lots of very pretty scenes.
@WalesOnline @RCTCouncil @INRIXtraffic_W @DerekTheWeather This was the Rhigos Mountain Road at 8:20 pic.twitter.com/iAntewiUig@WalesOnline @RCTCouncil @INRIXtraffic_W @DerekTheWeather This was the Rhigos Mountain Road at 8:20 pic.twitter.com/iAntewiUig
#snow on the keepers road @GwentandMore @WalesOnline @cathymediawales @southwalesargus pic.twitter.com/TJnc3DJzAA#snow on the keepers road @GwentandMore @WalesOnline @cathymediawales @southwalesargus pic.twitter.com/TJnc3DJzAA
In the south-west of England the Met Office published a yellow warning because of ice.In the south-west of England the Met Office published a yellow warning because of ice.
Dartmoor national park asked sightseers to behave sensibly and not get in the way of emergency service and those who live and work on the moor. It said: “Your rights of access do not change during snowfall, so do not enter farmers’ fields for sledging.”Dartmoor national park asked sightseers to behave sensibly and not get in the way of emergency service and those who live and work on the moor. It said: “Your rights of access do not change during snowfall, so do not enter farmers’ fields for sledging.”
#winteriscoming Conditions are still icy on #Dartmoor roads - Please take extra care when driving today https://t.co/rPdP3bufbL#winteriscoming Conditions are still icy on #Dartmoor roads - Please take extra care when driving today https://t.co/rPdP3bufbL
High winds also caused some concern in the far south-west, where a tree fell on to a house in Falmouth. Nobody was hurt.High winds also caused some concern in the far south-west, where a tree fell on to a house in Falmouth. Nobody was hurt.
The tough driving conditions did not put some off. One driver was clocked at 131MPH on the M4 by police. The tough driving conditions did not put some off. One driver was clocked at 131mph on the M4 by police.
M4 Wiltshire earlier tonight, follow check at 131mph!! Freezing temperatures too! #fatal4 pic.twitter.com/onYDaVGAXTM4 Wiltshire earlier tonight, follow check at 131mph!! Freezing temperatures too! #fatal4 pic.twitter.com/onYDaVGAXT
Updated
at 10.18am GMT
9.36am GMT9.36am GMT
09:3609:36
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Here are some pictures from across the country of the snowfall overnight.Here are some pictures from across the country of the snowfall overnight.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.47am GMTat 9.47am GMT
9.23am GMT9.23am GMT
09:2309:23
If you’ve been affected by the high winds, snow or flood warnings we’d like to hear from you. Are you trying to get to work and have experienced travel chaos? Perhaps your flight has been cancelled or you have been warned that you might be evacuated from your home.You can share your experiences, photos and videos with us by clicking on the blue ‘Contribute’ button on the blog or filling in our form here. Please think about your security and safety when recording and sharing your content. Rachel Obordo
If you’ve been affected by the high winds, snow or flood warnings we’d like to hear from you. Are you trying to get to work and have experienced travel chaos? Perhaps your flight has been cancelled or you have been warned that you might be evacuated from your home.
You can share your experiences, photos and videos with us by clicking on the blue ‘Contribute’ button on the blog or filling in our form here.
Though we’d like to hear from you, your safety and security is most important. When responding to this assignment, please make sure you put your safety and the safety of others first. Extreme weather events can be very unpredictable and carry very real risks.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.32am GMT at 10.22am GMT
9.21am GMT9.21am GMT
09:2109:21
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Twitter users vented their disappointment with the lack of snow or severe weather in their parts of the country.Twitter users vented their disappointment with the lack of snow or severe weather in their parts of the country.
The great snow storm has arrived at our house pic.twitter.com/erhNzMEeLDThe great snow storm has arrived at our house pic.twitter.com/erhNzMEeLD
Bristol snowmageddon pic.twitter.com/mFB4wYNAU0Bristol snowmageddon pic.twitter.com/mFB4wYNAU0
Saw a van driving with some snow on it. Must have driven in from the snowpocalypse outside the M25. #prayforthecoldSaw a van driving with some snow on it. Must have driven in from the snowpocalypse outside the M25. #prayforthecold
Media: OMG its getting close to being snowed in!! Normal People: Carry on nothing to see #Snowmageddon pic.twitter.com/En1xLLdjhaMedia: OMG its getting close to being snowed in!! Normal People: Carry on nothing to see #Snowmageddon pic.twitter.com/En1xLLdjha
OMG!!!! It's snowmageddon!! pic.twitter.com/zRHht3iRpnOMG!!!! It's snowmageddon!! pic.twitter.com/zRHht3iRpn
#snowmageddon pic.twitter.com/dorMCrXOk9#snowmageddon pic.twitter.com/dorMCrXOk9
Pupils crossing a #snow filled Quad at St John's School this morning. Not quite the #surrey #Snowmageddon we were expecting though! pic.twitter.com/b5bGrPmxUxPupils crossing a #snow filled Quad at St John's School this morning. Not quite the #surrey #Snowmageddon we were expecting though! pic.twitter.com/b5bGrPmxUx
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.22am GMTat 9.22am GMT
9.16am GMT9.16am GMT
09:1609:16
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
The number of severe flood warnings by the Environment Agency has dropped to 11. You can see the latest information on the EA’s site here.The number of severe flood warnings by the Environment Agency has dropped to 11. You can see the latest information on the EA’s site here.
There are currently 11 severe flood warnings, 88 warnings and 78 alerts in force in England and Wales.There are currently 11 severe flood warnings, 88 warnings and 78 alerts in force in England and Wales.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.33am GMTat 9.33am GMT
9.05am GMT9.05am GMT
09:0509:05
Alexandra ToppingAlexandra Topping
Phil Squire, 57, said he was anxious about the weather but was not leaving his house, which is right on Jaywick’s seafront.Phil Squire, 57, said he was anxious about the weather but was not leaving his house, which is right on Jaywick’s seafront.
“I’m anxious if I’m honest, but where we live we’re in a position where we can gauge the weather. If it’s looking serious at midday we’ll jump in the car and go.”“I’m anxious if I’m honest, but where we live we’re in a position where we can gauge the weather. If it’s looking serious at midday we’ll jump in the car and go.”
Phil Squire, 57, whose house is right next to the coast says he's staying put. "I'm anxious if I'm honest, but we've got a good view." pic.twitter.com/4aV6c02sokPhil Squire, 57, whose house is right next to the coast says he's staying put. "I'm anxious if I'm honest, but we've got a good view." pic.twitter.com/4aV6c02sok
Squire said police had knocked on his door at 10.30pm last night but he did not want to leave his house, but had read the information leaflet posted through his door. “I’m staying put for the moment, it’s a matter of wait and see,” he said.Squire said police had knocked on his door at 10.30pm last night but he did not want to leave his house, but had read the information leaflet posted through his door. “I’m staying put for the moment, it’s a matter of wait and see,” he said.
He said he was worried about looting if he left the house. “The police say they’ll be here, but they are not going to be going around with a canoe are they. They can’t be everywhere.”He said he was worried about looting if he left the house. “The police say they’ll be here, but they are not going to be going around with a canoe are they. They can’t be everywhere.”
Squire said the information from police had been excellent, but he had not been given sandbags. “I’d appreciate sandbags, because I’d have no idea where to get them. You would have thought they had a plan to get them to us.”Squire said the information from police had been excellent, but he had not been given sandbags. “I’d appreciate sandbags, because I’d have no idea where to get them. You would have thought they had a plan to get them to us.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.31am GMTat 9.31am GMT
8.56am GMT
08:56
2,000 homes lose power in northern Scotland
Severin Carrell
About 2,000 homes have lost power and 25 schools are closed in north and north-east Scotland. The Met Office has warned the bout of polar weather could see snow as deep at as 20cm (8in) on higher ground.
The school closures included Kingussie high school in the Cairngorms, as well as four schools in Dumfries and Galloway. Drifting snow, tree falls and weather-related accidents forced the closure of roads across the north and north east, including the A9 near Calvine in Perthshire.
Transport authorities warned too that high winds could affect crossings including the Kessock and Dornoch bridges on the A9, and urged caution on stretches of the A82 affected by patches of localised flooding on the northern shore of Loch Ness near Drumnadrochit.
Updated
at 9.26am GMT
8.52am GMT
08:52
Nazia Parveen
In York the severe weather is causing hazardous driving conditions. A car overturned on the A170 at Sutton Bank, and there has been a collision at Staxton Hill, which is 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.
Updated
at 9.29am GMT
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 GMT
08:14
Alexandra Topping
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 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.
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.
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.
Updated
at 8.23am GMT
8.10am GMT
08:10
Jamie Grierson
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:
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.
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.
Updated
at 8.15am GMT
8.09am GMT
08:09
Jamie Grierson
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/cSklLuMd2S
Updated
at 8.15am GMT