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/dec/11/uk-weather-snow-and-ice-expected-to-bring-travel-chaos-live

The article has changed 21 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 18 Version 19
Snow and ice disrupts travel across UK as thousands of schools close – live Snow and ice disrupts travel across UK as thousands of schools close – live
(35 minutes later)
Environment Agency staff have been helping vulnerable people in snow logged areas get to medical appointments by using their 4x4s.
On the agency’s blog, it says:
We’ve been volunteering our staff and 4x4 vehicles to help people who might otherwise be stranded get the medical help they need, despite the snow. Directed by the NHS, our volunteers have been helping ferry people to medical centres so they don’t have to miss appointments, and have been helping doctors and health visitors get to patients in rural locations.
Our 4x4s are usually used for site visits, sampling, or the work of our fisheries teams – work that’s on hold while the snow poses a risk, meaning we can make the best use of our vehicles in these conditions by helping the community, whether by ferrying patients or delivering food or road salt to rural locations.
Airports continue to advise passengers to check for disruption to their flight before travelling.
UPDATE | Disruption continues following yesterday's adverse weather. Please do not travel to the airport if your flight has been cancelled, and contact your airline directly. https://t.co/hs9FmTfDnm pic.twitter.com/BEA4Qw6lFW
pic.twitter.com/73l0UDgh8v
In the north east three schools have been closed in Northumberland and another three in County Durham.
At least 586 schools have been closed in the south-east owing to the weather.At least 586 schools have been closed in the south-east owing to the weather.
Here is a breakdown within the region:Here is a breakdown within the region:
Buckinghamshire: 271Buckinghamshire: 271
Berkshire: at least 5 in west Berkshire, but no clear info about the rest of the countyBerkshire: at least 5 in west Berkshire, but no clear info about the rest of the county
East Sussex: 23East Sussex: 23
Hampshire: 2Hampshire: 2
Isle of Wight: 0Isle of Wight: 0
Kent: 0Kent: 0
Oxfordshire: 269Oxfordshire: 269
Surrey: 13Surrey: 13
West Sussex: 3West Sussex: 3
Luton airport says it is open for business and its runway is in use but the weather is still affecting some flights.Luton airport says it is open for business and its runway is in use but the weather is still affecting some flights.
Airport open and runway open and operating, however, some flights are affected by delays and/or cancellations. We will update if this message changes.Airport open and runway open and operating, however, some flights are affected by delays and/or cancellations. We will update if this message changes.
Commuters in London worrying about getting home may find that it is not the bad weather hampering their journey.Commuters in London worrying about getting home may find that it is not the bad weather hampering their journey.
**UPDATE** Due to a lineside fire at London Waterloo some lines are blocked. Train services running across the whole South Western Railway network may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until the end of the day. https://t.co/gWxn1cw1lb**UPDATE** Due to a lineside fire at London Waterloo some lines are blocked. Train services running across the whole South Western Railway network may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until the end of the day. https://t.co/gWxn1cw1lb
Snow and ice continues to cause widespread disruption across the UK. Dozens of rail services have been hit, including a temporary suspension on the Gatwick Express, delays on the Eurostar to and from London, and at least 20 cancellations on rail services in Scotland.Snow and ice continues to cause widespread disruption across the UK. Dozens of rail services have been hit, including a temporary suspension on the Gatwick Express, delays on the Eurostar to and from London, and at least 20 cancellations on rail services in Scotland.
Almost 3,000 schools have been forced to closed including more than 500 in the east of England, more than 200 each in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, and around 400 in Birmingham. Some parents have complained that schools were shut in areas where there was little or no snow.Almost 3,000 schools have been forced to closed including more than 500 in the east of England, more than 200 each in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, and around 400 in Birmingham. Some parents have complained that schools were shut in areas where there was little or no snow.
Thousands of people were left without power overnight. Western Power Distribution said engineers worked through the night to restore power to 99,500 homes in the Midlands, south Wales and the south-west, but that 7,000 customers were still without electricity, 6,500 of them in the West Midlands. Around 800 homes were also without power in Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.Thousands of people were left without power overnight. Western Power Distribution said engineers worked through the night to restore power to 99,500 homes in the Midlands, south Wales and the south-west, but that 7,000 customers were still without electricity, 6,500 of them in the West Midlands. Around 800 homes were also without power in Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.
Up to 200 flights from Heathrow are expected to cancelled as passengers complained of waiting hours for travel to be rescheduled.Up to 200 flights from Heathrow are expected to cancelled as passengers complained of waiting hours for travel to be rescheduled.
The Met Office has extended its yellow weather warnings for snow and ice to cover vast swaths of the country, including London and the south-east, much of the Midlands, Northern Ireland and Wales, as well as the eastern coast of England and northern and western Scotland.The Met Office has extended its yellow weather warnings for snow and ice to cover vast swaths of the country, including London and the south-east, much of the Midlands, Northern Ireland and Wales, as well as the eastern coast of England and northern and western Scotland.
Sunday was the coldest day for seven years with temperatures dipping to -12C in some places. Monday night could be even colder with temperatures forecast to fall as low as -15C.Sunday was the coldest day for seven years with temperatures dipping to -12C in some places. Monday night could be even colder with temperatures forecast to fall as low as -15C.
The TUC called on employers not to force staff to make hazardous journeys into work, saying firms in areas of the country affected by the snowy conditions should have put out advice to their staff on what they should do when snow, ice and a lack of public transport prevents them getting to work.The TUC called on employers not to force staff to make hazardous journeys into work, saying firms in areas of the country affected by the snowy conditions should have put out advice to their staff on what they should do when snow, ice and a lack of public transport prevents them getting to work.
Policies should also cover what parents should do if schools close and they have no alternative childcare, said the TUC general secretary, Frances O’Grady, adding: “It is essential that employers don’t force staff to make dangerous journeys for the sake of presenteeism.Policies should also cover what parents should do if schools close and they have no alternative childcare, said the TUC general secretary, Frances O’Grady, adding: “It is essential that employers don’t force staff to make dangerous journeys for the sake of presenteeism.
“For many employees the bad weather will have made their commute virtually impossible, but thankfully many bosses now have ‘bad weather’ policies so staff know what is expected of them.”“For many employees the bad weather will have made their commute virtually impossible, but thankfully many bosses now have ‘bad weather’ policies so staff know what is expected of them.”
The TUC also reminded employers to keep their workplaces safe and warm – at least 16°C.The TUC also reminded employers to keep their workplaces safe and warm – at least 16°C.
More 1,300 schools have been forced to close in the West Midlands, writes Will Tilbrook. They include:More 1,300 schools have been forced to close in the West Midlands, writes Will Tilbrook. They include:
200 in Worcestershire200 in Worcestershire
94 in Herefordshire:94 in Herefordshire:
157 in Shropshire157 in Shropshire
309 in Staffordshire309 in Staffordshire
215 in Warwickshire215 in Warwickshire
Around 400 schools in Birmingham including all 270 of the council-run schools and the majority of the remaining 175 run by academies.Around 400 schools in Birmingham including all 270 of the council-run schools and the majority of the remaining 175 run by academies.
At least 131 schools in Wales were also shut including 71 in Flintshire, 11 in Wrexham and 49 in Denbighshire. And another 60 were closed in the London borough of Barnet.At least 131 schools in Wales were also shut including 71 in Flintshire, 11 in Wrexham and 49 in Denbighshire. And another 60 were closed in the London borough of Barnet.
By our incomplete tally at least 2,700 schools were closed today.By our incomplete tally at least 2,700 schools were closed today.
Some parents have been grumbling about schools closing in areas where there has been little or no snow.Some parents have been grumbling about schools closing in areas where there has been little or no snow.
Child B school closed. I have had to come home. There is no snow here just sleet. Nanny state!Child B school closed. I have had to come home. There is no snow here just sleet. Nanny state!
Parents will be! The decision by schools to close because of “snow” when businesses and other public services are operating OK (no choice, really) is not acceptable. Parents must be urged to complain to governing bodies. (I’m a former school governor, btw!) https://t.co/oGfIE7ikQFParents will be! The decision by schools to close because of “snow” when businesses and other public services are operating OK (no choice, really) is not acceptable. Parents must be urged to complain to governing bodies. (I’m a former school governor, btw!) https://t.co/oGfIE7ikQF
What a joke. There is no snow outside but because there is snow forecast my daughter's school has closed without even bothering to open. #GreatSchoolWhat a joke. There is no snow outside but because there is snow forecast my daughter's school has closed without even bothering to open. #GreatSchool
So. Olivers school was declared closed today, at 7pm last night when the bus company they use refused to operate...Not saying the country's going soft or owt but...So. Olivers school was declared closed today, at 7pm last night when the bus company they use refused to operate...Not saying the country's going soft or owt but...
Dozens of flights have been cancelled at Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport, PA reports.Dozens of flights have been cancelled at Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport, PA reports.
Heathrow said it was operating three-quarters of its full schedule as airlines dealt with the knock-on effects of Sunday’s heavy snowfall, which turned to ice overnight as temperatures plummeted.Heathrow said it was operating three-quarters of its full schedule as airlines dealt with the knock-on effects of Sunday’s heavy snowfall, which turned to ice overnight as temperatures plummeted.
Passengers shared images on social media of long queues and scores of suitcases lined up , while others complained of a lack of information from the airport and airlines.Passengers shared images on social media of long queues and scores of suitcases lined up , while others complained of a lack of information from the airport and airlines.
Among them was Beth Kanter, a non-profit and charities consultant from San Francisco, who said the British Airways flight she boarded was cancelled on Sunday after six hours on the tarmac.Among them was Beth Kanter, a non-profit and charities consultant from San Francisco, who said the British Airways flight she boarded was cancelled on Sunday after six hours on the tarmac.
Flight still not yet cancelled. Keeping fingers crossed. Bags still missing @British_Airways #heathrownightmare morning after pic.twitter.com/Mr34FdYzjOFlight still not yet cancelled. Keeping fingers crossed. Bags still missing @British_Airways #heathrownightmare morning after pic.twitter.com/Mr34FdYzjO
She said she was told on the aircraft that the weather was “an act of god” and that the airline could not pay for a hotel as a result.She said she was told on the aircraft that the weather was “an act of god” and that the airline could not pay for a hotel as a result.
She said: “[They were] saying they were waiting for de-ice. Then, they cancelled our flight. Then it took me four hours to get through the immigration line. On the plane, the pilot said we would be able to collect our baggage in baggage reclaim. That was the ‘good news’.She said: “[They were] saying they were waiting for de-ice. Then, they cancelled our flight. Then it took me four hours to get through the immigration line. On the plane, the pilot said we would be able to collect our baggage in baggage reclaim. That was the ‘good news’.
“Then, after standing in line and finally making it through immigration, the baggage area was total chaos. There was baggage on the baggage claims but none of the signs indicated what the flights were.“Then, after standing in line and finally making it through immigration, the baggage area was total chaos. There was baggage on the baggage claims but none of the signs indicated what the flights were.
“There was a huge long line – it must have several hundred people in it – stretching from baggage claim number three to the last one where customer service was. There was one person there.“There was a huge long line – it must have several hundred people in it – stretching from baggage claim number three to the last one where customer service was. There was one person there.
“Then I noticed a man with a BA sweatshirt come out of a back office with a paper with the list of flights and baggage claim numbers – this was after being in baggage claim for hours, trying to figure out what the hell to do.”“Then I noticed a man with a BA sweatshirt come out of a back office with a paper with the list of flights and baggage claim numbers – this was after being in baggage claim for hours, trying to figure out what the hell to do.”
The consultant, whose luggage “filled with holiday gifts” was lost in the chaos, said she asked for information on her flight which was “not on his list”, but eventually received a rebooking for Monday.The consultant, whose luggage “filled with holiday gifts” was lost in the chaos, said she asked for information on her flight which was “not on his list”, but eventually received a rebooking for Monday.
“They announced that everyone should go home and come back tomorrow to deal with their bags … people were really pissed off and it was stressful,” she added.“They announced that everyone should go home and come back tomorrow to deal with their bags … people were really pissed off and it was stressful,” she added.
The 60-year-old said she filed a report on the BA website, and managed to book a hotel 30 minutes from the airport as she “did not want to spend the night” at Heathrow.The 60-year-old said she filed a report on the BA website, and managed to book a hotel 30 minutes from the airport as she “did not want to spend the night” at Heathrow.
She added that no one at the airline was answering the phones and described their website as useless and said customer service on was lame.She added that no one at the airline was answering the phones and described their website as useless and said customer service on was lame.
Fellow American Kenton Keithly, 65, had expected to fly from Newcastle to Heathrow and then to San Francisco on Monday but the connecting flight to the London airport was cancelled on Sunday night. He had to rebook to fly on Tuesday with his partner.Fellow American Kenton Keithly, 65, had expected to fly from Newcastle to Heathrow and then to San Francisco on Monday but the connecting flight to the London airport was cancelled on Sunday night. He had to rebook to fly on Tuesday with his partner.
Keithly, of Woodland, California, said both the airport and airline had not learned from similar circumstances in 2010, when he had to spend a night on the floor of departures at Terminal Five.Keithly, of Woodland, California, said both the airport and airline had not learned from similar circumstances in 2010, when he had to spend a night on the floor of departures at Terminal Five.
He said: “I love flying BA, they are incredible in the air but lousy on the ground. Speaking with other passengers in the line last night, we all agreed that BA has learned nothing from seven years ago and Heathrow have failed to address the issue of having enough de-icers to cope with demand when needed.”He said: “I love flying BA, they are incredible in the air but lousy on the ground. Speaking with other passengers in the line last night, we all agreed that BA has learned nothing from seven years ago and Heathrow have failed to address the issue of having enough de-icers to cope with demand when needed.”
A Heathrow spokeswoman said: “Some flights at Heathrow are disrupted today. However, the airport remains open and is operating three-quarters of scheduled flights.A Heathrow spokeswoman said: “Some flights at Heathrow are disrupted today. However, the airport remains open and is operating three-quarters of scheduled flights.
“Before coming to the airport, passengers must check their flight status with their airline. If the status of your flight is cancelled, please do not travel to the airport, keep updated via the airline’s website. We apologise to those whose travel has been impacted and regret the inconveniences that have been caused.”“Before coming to the airport, passengers must check their flight status with their airline. If the status of your flight is cancelled, please do not travel to the airport, keep updated via the airline’s website. We apologise to those whose travel has been impacted and regret the inconveniences that have been caused.”
The NHS has urged the public to check in on older neighbours amid the coldest snap for seven years.The NHS has urged the public to check in on older neighbours amid the coldest snap for seven years.
Older people may be more isolated than normal due to the cold weather. Check in on an older neighbor to make sure they're ok: https://t.co/4RpvABDpmR #BlackIceMonday pic.twitter.com/fgZyVz6rkMOlder people may be more isolated than normal due to the cold weather. Check in on an older neighbor to make sure they're ok: https://t.co/4RpvABDpmR #BlackIceMonday pic.twitter.com/fgZyVz6rkM
A further 421 schools in the east Midlands were shut, Will Tilbrook reports.A further 421 schools in the east Midlands were shut, Will Tilbrook reports.
22 Derbyshire22 Derbyshire
142 Leicestershire142 Leicestershire
242 Northamptonshire242 Northamptonshire
3 Nottinghamshire3 Nottinghamshire
None in Lincolnshire and RutlandNone in Lincolnshire and Rutland
Almost 300 schools in the South West region of England have been force closed, writes Will Tilbrook.Almost 300 schools in the South West region of England have been force closed, writes Will Tilbrook.
They include 261 in Gloucestershire and 38 in Wiltshire, but none in Bristol, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.They include 261 in Gloucestershire and 38 in Wiltshire, but none in Bristol, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.
Western Power distribution has confirmed that around 7,000 homes in the West Midlands are still without power.Western Power distribution has confirmed that around 7,000 homes in the West Midlands are still without power.
We've restored around 100,000 customers' electricity supplies in the last 24 hours as a result of #StormCaroline. We currently have around 7,000 customers off supply, mostly in the West Midlands. Full update here: https://t.co/f9CpNTWHeF Photo thanks to @DinahLiversidge pic.twitter.com/xsPrxVLGw6We've restored around 100,000 customers' electricity supplies in the last 24 hours as a result of #StormCaroline. We currently have around 7,000 customers off supply, mostly in the West Midlands. Full update here: https://t.co/f9CpNTWHeF Photo thanks to @DinahLiversidge pic.twitter.com/xsPrxVLGw6
A further 800 homes in Oxfordshire and Wiltshire had a night without power, according to Scottish and Southern.A further 800 homes in Oxfordshire and Wiltshire had a night without power, according to Scottish and Southern.