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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)
11.43am GMT
11:43
Jaywick evacuation is underway - Essex police
Jamie Grierson
Evacuation of homes in Jaywick, Mistley and West Mersea, in Essex, has started - but ahead of expected severe flooding overnight rather than this afternoon.A severe flood warning is in place for Jaywick, Mistley and West Mersea for high tide tonight at 12.15am in the early hours of Saturday.A full evacuation plan for both Jaywick, Mistley and West Mersea was triggered at 10.40am, Essex police said.Essex Police Chief Inspector Russ Cole said:
I need residents in Jaywick, Mistley and West Mersea to comply with police instruction and evacuate immediately. Latest forecasting tells us that risk has moved to the next high tide expected just after midnight. That threat has led to a severe flood warning being put in place for tonight’s high tide.
Keeping people safe is our only priority and we will be evacuating residents from Jaywick, Mistley and West Mersea and need people to comply with our instructions.
That evacuation is most safely executed in daylight hours. We are activating our evacuation plans and are working closely with other partners including the other emergency services, local authorities, health and social care.
A rest centre has been established at Tendring Education Centre, Jaywick Lane, Clacton to accommodate Jaywick residents. Residents in Mistley will also be evacuated to Tendring Education Centre.
A rest centre at the Mica Centre, 38a High Street, West Mersea will be able to accommodate Mersea residents until their homes are deemed safe.
11.36am GMT
11:36
Jamie Grierson
Here are the top five “how-to” searches on flooding, according to Google Trends.
"How to prepare for a flood" is the top how-to on flooding being searched in the UK in the last 24 hours pic.twitter.com/X36weBgVK1
11.26am GMT
11:26
People in 5,000 Norfolk homes told to leave
Jamie Grierson
Residents in about 5,000 properties in Norfolk have been told to leave their homes, police said, and the number could rise to 7,000 later in the day.
Supt Dave Buckley said: “A multi-agency co-ordinating group has been convened twice to ensure appropriate plans and resources are in place.
“The group is planning for potential disruption for a prolonged period of up to 12 hours and households in those affected areas should be mindful of this.
“I would also urge members of the public not to put themselves at risk by gathering near to the water’s edge to watch the waves. While I accept they may be impressive, you are putting yourself in danger’s way. We would ask people to keep away from the seafront and flood water.”
A spokesman for Norfolk county council said three schools were closed. Two were being used in the flood effort: Caister cademy has been turned into an emergency flood evacuation centre and Cliff Park Ormiston Academy into a rest centre.
Updated
at 11.31am GMT
10.55am GMT10.55am GMT
10:5510:55
Alexandra ToppingAlexandra Topping
Eight fire and rescue teams are on standby at Jaywick’s Martello tower, a firefighter has told me.Eight fire and rescue teams are on standby at Jaywick’s Martello tower, a firefighter has told me.
A smaller team at the community centre is monitoring the situation at the sea wall.A smaller team at the community centre is monitoring the situation at the sea wall.
The firefighter told me fire crews were in place to support the police, and the operation was in phase two.The firefighter told me fire crews were in place to support the police, and the operation was in phase two.
Officers and firefighters knocked on doors last night to gather information about who was staying and who was going.Officers and firefighters knocked on doors last night to gather information about who was staying and who was going.
“If people decide to stay, you can’t do anything to make them,” he said.“If people decide to stay, you can’t do anything to make them,” he said.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.05am GMTat 11.05am GMT
10.53am GMT10.53am GMT
10:5310:53
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Nine schools in Lincolnshire, including five in Skegness, have been shut for the day, according to the county council.Nine schools in Lincolnshire, including five in Skegness, have been shut for the day, according to the county council.
The authority also said the A52 has been closed between Mablethorpe and Trusthorpe as a precaution.The authority also said the A52 has been closed between Mablethorpe and Trusthorpe as a precaution.
Great Yarmouth’s Sea Life centre, which is in the area covered by a severe flood warning, remains open.Great Yarmouth’s Sea Life centre, which is in the area covered by a severe flood warning, remains open.
A spokesman for the seafront tourist attraction said: “We haven’t known it [the sea] to come over for many, many years, so I think it is all right.”A spokesman for the seafront tourist attraction said: “We haven’t known it [the sea] to come over for many, many years, so I think it is all right.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.59am GMTat 10.59am GMT
10.52am GMT10.52am GMT
10:5210:52
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Eurostar has cancelled two trains between London and Paris due to “weather conditions” in south-east England and northern France.Eurostar has cancelled two trains between London and Paris due to “weather conditions” in south-east England and northern France.
A spokeswoman for the firm said all affected passengers were offered seats on other trains.A spokeswoman for the firm said all affected passengers were offered seats on other trains.
10.52am GMT10.52am GMT
10:5210:52
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
Lincolnshire police chief Neil Rhodes said: “We are relieved that we have got through the night time without a significant incident, but we have got to remain vigilant and on the case for the rest of today.Lincolnshire police chief Neil Rhodes said: “We are relieved that we have got through the night time without a significant incident, but we have got to remain vigilant and on the case for the rest of today.
“We are looking through from now to 6pm when the next raft of high tide reaches the Lincolnshire coast and we have got to look out for that storm surge.“We are looking through from now to 6pm when the next raft of high tide reaches the Lincolnshire coast and we have got to look out for that storm surge.
“Please do not go down to the sea defences, it’s a very dangerous place to be.“Please do not go down to the sea defences, it’s a very dangerous place to be.
“We aren’t out of the woods yet but, fingers crossed, we’ll be able to see through this storm surge together very soon.”“We aren’t out of the woods yet but, fingers crossed, we’ll be able to see through this storm surge together very soon.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.58am GMTat 10.58am GMT
10.51am GMT10.51am GMT
10:5110:51
Jamie GriersonJamie Grierson
In Lincolnshire, 11 people spent the night at the Meridian Centre in Louth after choosing to leave their homes.In Lincolnshire, 11 people spent the night at the Meridian Centre in Louth after choosing to leave their homes.
The high tide in the early hours of Friday passed without incident along the east coast in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, with the Environment Agency urging caution but saying the picture was “improving”.The high tide in the early hours of Friday passed without incident along the east coast in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, with the Environment Agency urging caution but saying the picture was “improving”.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence was checking that sea defences have not been breached during the high tide in Lincolnshire.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence was checking that sea defences have not been breached during the high tide in Lincolnshire.
Air support from the RAF will be used to check for any damage, with the county council saying any repairs will be made before the high tide on Friday evening.Air support from the RAF will be used to check for any damage, with the county council saying any repairs will be made before the high tide on Friday evening.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.58am GMTat 10.58am GMT
10.40am GMT10.40am GMT
10:4010:40
❄️Some snowy scenes across the UK⛄️ #uksnow pic.twitter.com/x8bUi7T33u❄️Some snowy scenes across the UK⛄️ #uksnow pic.twitter.com/x8bUi7T33u
10.37am GMT10.37am GMT
10:3710:37
Alexandra ToppingAlexandra Topping
The wind has picked up in Jaywick, Essex, where it is bitterly cold and the snow has started to fall again. The tide is rising, and is expected to peak at around midday.The wind has picked up in Jaywick, Essex, where 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 said he had been told that transport to the evacuation centre had been – for the moment at least – suspended.One resident said he had been told that transport to the evacuation centre had been – for the moment at least – suspended.
Robert, who did not want to give his surname, said he was “angry and frustrated” at the conflicting information.“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.Robert, who did not want to give his surname, said he was “angry and frustrated” at the conflicting information.“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.”“I’m getting mixed messages from everywhere, we don’t know what is happening and I’ve got no way of getting there.”
The refuge centre remains open, but there it is unclear whether the evacuation is still under way since the flooding risk has been downgraded.The refuge centre remains open, but there it is unclear whether the evacuation is still under way since the flooding risk has been downgraded.
A police officer said they were currently in a “holding pattern”, waiting to gauge the weather risk.A police officer said they were 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, but should monitor developments.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, but should monitor developments.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.49am GMTat 10.49am GMT
10.25am GMT10.25am GMT
10:2510:25
Nazia ParveenNazia 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.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: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#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
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.32am GMTat 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 GMT
09:53
Nazia Parveen
Drivers faced disruption on the A1 after a lorry jacknifed in Northumberland.
The rush-hour crash happened on the northbound stretch of the A1 at Brownieside, near the B6347 junction.
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.
A spokesman said:
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.
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.
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.
Updated
at 10.11am GMT
9.50am GMT
09:50
Steven Morris
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.
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.
@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
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.”
#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.
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/onYDaVGAXT
Updated
at 10.18am GMT
9.36am GMT
09:36
Jamie Grierson
Here are some pictures from across the country of the snowfall overnight.
Updated
at 9.47am GMT
9.23am GMT
09:23
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.
Updated
at 10.22am GMT
9.21am GMT
09:21
Jamie Grierson
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/erhNzMEeLD
Bristol snowmageddon pic.twitter.com/mFB4wYNAU0
Saw 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/En1xLLdjha
OMG!!!! It's snowmageddon!! pic.twitter.com/zRHht3iRpn
#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/b5bGrPmxUx
Updated
at 9.22am GMT
9.16am GMT
09:16
Jamie 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.
There are currently 11 severe flood warnings, 88 warnings and 78 alerts in force in England and Wales.
Updated
at 9.33am GMT
9.05am GMT
09:05
Alexandra Topping
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.”
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/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.
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.”
Updated
at 9.31am GMT