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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2018/mar/02/uk-weather-snow-disruption-storm-emma-beast-from-the-east-live

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UK weather: snow disruption continues with roads, railways, hospitals and airports hit – live Snow disruption continues with roads, railways, hospitals and airports hit – as it happened
(about 9 hours later)
The death toll from the cold weather has reached 10.The death toll from the cold weather has reached 10.
Over 18,000 people were without power earlier this evening, according to the department for business, energy and industrial strategy.Over 18,000 people were without power earlier this evening, according to the department for business, energy and industrial strategy.
The Environment Agency have issued 15 flood warnings and 36 flood alerts across the country, with melting snow and ice expected to cause further problems.The Environment Agency have issued 15 flood warnings and 36 flood alerts across the country, with melting snow and ice expected to cause further problems.
Military personnel are again assisting emergency services in responding to the freezing conditions.Military personnel are again assisting emergency services in responding to the freezing conditions.
There was widespread and major disruption to railways, roads and airports throughout the day, with many providers urging passengers not to travel.There was widespread and major disruption to railways, roads and airports throughout the day, with many providers urging passengers not to travel.
Thousands of schools have closed.Thousands of schools have closed.
Hospitals have also been effected, with staff struggling to get to work.Hospitals have also been effected, with staff struggling to get to work.
Live coverage for Saturday continues here:
More cold weather is expected...More cold weather is expected...
Here is the latest Met Office forecast, which suggests temperatures are increasing but will still be below freezing in most parts of the UK tonight, with some areas seeing lows of -4.Here is the latest Met Office forecast, which suggests temperatures are increasing but will still be below freezing in most parts of the UK tonight, with some areas seeing lows of -4.
Saturday morning will be a cold and icy one, but a thaw will begin across southwest England as less cold air starts to arrive pic.twitter.com/eZJsrhgOFASaturday morning will be a cold and icy one, but a thaw will begin across southwest England as less cold air starts to arrive pic.twitter.com/eZJsrhgOFA
And here is the summary of today’s weather from the Met Office.And here is the summary of today’s weather from the Met Office.
It has been another busy 24 hours across the UK. #Freezingrain affected southern areas. #Snow elsewhere. It was cold and icy for most. Here are the details: pic.twitter.com/4gXs8xn04zIt has been another busy 24 hours across the UK. #Freezingrain affected southern areas. #Snow elsewhere. It was cold and icy for most. Here are the details: pic.twitter.com/4gXs8xn04z
Motorists have been warned that freezing rain could make roads even more treacherous.Motorists have been warned that freezing rain could make roads even more treacherous.
Roads and railways have been rendered impassable by the coldest start to March on record, stranding hundreds of people in treacherous and snowy conditions.Roads and railways have been rendered impassable by the coldest start to March on record, stranding hundreds of people in treacherous and snowy conditions.
But travel misery could be compounded by freezing rain sweeping across southern parts of England and western Wales.But travel misery could be compounded by freezing rain sweeping across southern parts of England and western Wales.
The Met Office said the worst of the rare phenomenon should have passed by midnight.The Met Office said the worst of the rare phenomenon should have passed by midnight.
However, drivers are also being urged to watch out for black ice.However, drivers are also being urged to watch out for black ice.
The death toll from the cold weather has reached 10. A body was recovered in the search for Alison Fox, 51, while a 70-year-old man, who had been rescued on Thursday in Devon, died in hospital. Police say a 19-year-old with a life-threatening condition has gone missing from the Royal Berkshire Hospital. She is believed to have travelled to London on Thursday without any shoes on.The death toll from the cold weather has reached 10. A body was recovered in the search for Alison Fox, 51, while a 70-year-old man, who had been rescued on Thursday in Devon, died in hospital. Police say a 19-year-old with a life-threatening condition has gone missing from the Royal Berkshire Hospital. She is believed to have travelled to London on Thursday without any shoes on.
Thousands are still believed to be without power, with the total number of people affected topping 18,000 earlier this evening, according to the department for business, energy and industrial strategy.Thousands are still believed to be without power, with the total number of people affected topping 18,000 earlier this evening, according to the department for business, energy and industrial strategy.
The Environment Agency have issued 15 flood warnings and 36 flood alerts across the country, with melting snow and ice expected to cause further issues as the weather warms up. The warnings are mainly in place in the South West and North East.The Environment Agency have issued 15 flood warnings and 36 flood alerts across the country, with melting snow and ice expected to cause further issues as the weather warms up. The warnings are mainly in place in the South West and North East.
Military personnel are again assisting emergency services in dealing with the freezing conditions.Military personnel are again assisting emergency services in dealing with the freezing conditions.
There was widespread and major disruption on the railways, with providers urging passengers not to travel as services were cancelled or delayed throughout the day. Disruption occurred across the network. South Western Railway apologised to dozens of passengers who were stuck in trains overnight.There was widespread and major disruption on the railways, with providers urging passengers not to travel as services were cancelled or delayed throughout the day. Disruption occurred across the network. South Western Railway apologised to dozens of passengers who were stuck in trains overnight.
Police were called by Southeastern after frustrated travellers near Lewisham station forced open train doors and walked out on to the tracks – causing further delays and safety concerns.Police were called by Southeastern after frustrated travellers near Lewisham station forced open train doors and walked out on to the tracks – causing further delays and safety concerns.
More than 1,900 flights to or from UK and Irish airports were cancelled on Friday.More than 1,900 flights to or from UK and Irish airports were cancelled on Friday.
Thousands of schools have closed. They include the majority of schools in Wales, 400 schools in Northern Ireland, and all 279 schools in Cornwall.Thousands of schools have closed. They include the majority of schools in Wales, 400 schools in Northern Ireland, and all 279 schools in Cornwall.
The main hospital in Exeter has postponed all planned surgery and diagnostic appointments, due to the severe weather. An “Internal critical incident” has been declared by the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust.The main hospital in Exeter has postponed all planned surgery and diagnostic appointments, due to the severe weather. An “Internal critical incident” has been declared by the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust.
Major incidents were declared in Wiltshire Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall and Hampshire, after hundreds of drivers were stranded on roads in the west country. The A303 was worst hit with drivers complaining of being stuck in their vehicles for 15 hours. Around 40 people including a baby were stuck on a bus from London stranded on the A303. At around 1.30pm today, Wiltshire police said they believed they had rescued everyone.Major incidents were declared in Wiltshire Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall and Hampshire, after hundreds of drivers were stranded on roads in the west country. The A303 was worst hit with drivers complaining of being stuck in their vehicles for 15 hours. Around 40 people including a baby were stuck on a bus from London stranded on the A303. At around 1.30pm today, Wiltshire police said they believed they had rescued everyone.
The AA said that snow and ice had caused at least 13,000 incidents on the roads since the cold weather began, at a cost of £17 million.The AA said that snow and ice had caused at least 13,000 incidents on the roads since the cold weather began, at a cost of £17 million.
The military has been deployed to help clear snow-covered roads in and around Greater Manchester. At one point on Thursday night, some 3,500 vehicles were stuck on the M62, 200 of which remained there overnight. The armed forces are also providing assistance in Lincolnshire, Edinburgh, Shropshire, and Devon.The military has been deployed to help clear snow-covered roads in and around Greater Manchester. At one point on Thursday night, some 3,500 vehicles were stuck on the M62, 200 of which remained there overnight. The armed forces are also providing assistance in Lincolnshire, Edinburgh, Shropshire, and Devon.
Amid the snow-induced misery, look no further than my colleague Kevin Rawlinson’s piece for an uplifting take on the everyday heroes emerging from the chaos.Amid the snow-induced misery, look no further than my colleague Kevin Rawlinson’s piece for an uplifting take on the everyday heroes emerging from the chaos.
From free bed and breakfast for the homeless, to NHS staff sleeping at work to make sure they could treat patients, to handouts of Greggs cakes, there are a number of heart-warming stories from around the country.From free bed and breakfast for the homeless, to NHS staff sleeping at work to make sure they could treat patients, to handouts of Greggs cakes, there are a number of heart-warming stories from around the country.
A few of tomorrow’s newspapers run front page pictures of the cold weather.A few of tomorrow’s newspapers run front page pictures of the cold weather.
Here are a selection:Here are a selection:
MIRROR: Bulger Killer given £260k in legal aid #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/RwSCUu1IXDMIRROR: Bulger Killer given £260k in legal aid #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/RwSCUu1IXD
INDEPENDENT DIGITAL: May vows to secure ‘best trade deal in the world...’ #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/JMJLNzz64dINDEPENDENT DIGITAL: May vows to secure ‘best trade deal in the world...’ #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/JMJLNzz64d
THE TIMES: Children taught hatred #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/wGGF8ABb6aTHE TIMES: Children taught hatred #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/wGGF8ABb6a
Eight of the best clips of the day are in a video at the top of this blog.Eight of the best clips of the day are in a video at the top of this blog.
Nearly 20,00o people were without power earlier on Friday evening, according to the department for business, energy and industrial strategy.Nearly 20,00o people were without power earlier on Friday evening, according to the department for business, energy and industrial strategy.
The department said 18,147 customers were “off-supply” at 5.30pm on Friday.The department said 18,147 customers were “off-supply” at 5.30pm on Friday.
They added that 104,118 customers have “been restored” since Thursday morning.They added that 104,118 customers have “been restored” since Thursday morning.
A spokesperson for Western Power Distribution told the Guardian that over 7,000 of their customers – in the East Midlands, West Midlands, South Wales and South West – were without power. The vast majority facing problems (6,665) are based in the South West, according to the company.A spokesperson for Western Power Distribution told the Guardian that over 7,000 of their customers – in the East Midlands, West Midlands, South Wales and South West – were without power. The vast majority facing problems (6,665) are based in the South West, according to the company.
They said:They said:
The weather has been particularly bad down there and we are having trouble with access.The weather has been particularly bad down there and we are having trouble with access.
The spokesperson also stressed that not all of the 7,350 incidents were weather related and that the numbers were changing all the time since the weather was a “moving beast”.The spokesperson also stressed that not all of the 7,350 incidents were weather related and that the numbers were changing all the time since the weather was a “moving beast”.
The company has 7.8 million customers, though these include businesses and households.The company has 7.8 million customers, though these include businesses and households.
Sources at the National Grid appear optimistic that the situation regarding gas supply in the country is improving.Sources at the National Grid appear optimistic that the situation regarding gas supply in the country is improving.
On Thursday, the organisation issued a warning that the UK was running out of gas.On Thursday, the organisation issued a warning that the UK was running out of gas.
However, a spokesperson for the National Grid has today said:However, a spokesperson for the National Grid has today said:
The ‘Gas Deficit Warning’ issued yesterday was withdrawn at 4.45am this morning and we are currently not expecting to issue another today (Friday).The ‘Gas Deficit Warning’ issued yesterday was withdrawn at 4.45am this morning and we are currently not expecting to issue another today (Friday).
The market has continued to respond over the last 24 hours and we have seen an increase of supplies into the network.The market has continued to respond over the last 24 hours and we have seen an increase of supplies into the network.
As the extremely cold weather continues we expect to see high demand on the gas network, so we are continuing to monitor developments closely.As the extremely cold weather continues we expect to see high demand on the gas network, so we are continuing to monitor developments closely.
Protecting customer supplies is always our first priority and we would like to reassure them that this high demand has not affected their domestic gas supplies.Protecting customer supplies is always our first priority and we would like to reassure them that this high demand has not affected their domestic gas supplies.
Demand for gas normally drops over the weekend.Demand for gas normally drops over the weekend.
British Gas said that they have helped nearly 90,000 customers over the last four days.British Gas said that they have helped nearly 90,000 customers over the last four days.
Over the last four days, our engineers have battled the elements to help over 80,000 of our customers.We’re working hard to get to everyone as soon as we can. pic.twitter.com/Ll0vERGQulOver the last four days, our engineers have battled the elements to help over 80,000 of our customers.We’re working hard to get to everyone as soon as we can. pic.twitter.com/Ll0vERGQul
Earlier today, readers responded to the cold weather and the country’s capacity to cope with freezing conditions.Earlier today, readers responded to the cold weather and the country’s capacity to cope with freezing conditions.
You can read the eclectic collection of letters by following the link, but here is one contribution from Cathy Wood, in Staffordshire.You can read the eclectic collection of letters by following the link, but here is one contribution from Cathy Wood, in Staffordshire.
Frank Field (Letters, 2 March) draws our attention to the rise of destitution in the UK today as children from poor families arrive at school hungry and ill-prepared to learn. The impact of the recent snow and sub-zero temperatures on these children’s lives cannot be underestimated. With their schools closed, they must remain in their unheated homes for days on end without the comfort of a warm classroom or a hot meal. Government austerity and welfare cuts are cold comfort indeed to these poor children.Frank Field (Letters, 2 March) draws our attention to the rise of destitution in the UK today as children from poor families arrive at school hungry and ill-prepared to learn. The impact of the recent snow and sub-zero temperatures on these children’s lives cannot be underestimated. With their schools closed, they must remain in their unheated homes for days on end without the comfort of a warm classroom or a hot meal. Government austerity and welfare cuts are cold comfort indeed to these poor children.
Meanwhile, in Milton Keynes, residents have seen takeaway meals delivered to their doors by ‘Snowbot’.Meanwhile, in Milton Keynes, residents have seen takeaway meals delivered to their doors by ‘Snowbot’.
Just rescued this guy from some kids that had thrown snow in its eyes.. He’s I polite little chap, even said thank you. @starshiprobots #miltonkeynes #beastfromtheeast #snowday #robot #goodsamaritan #picoftheday #deliveryrobot #delivery #uk #winter #workinghard #goodvibesonly #storm #stormemma #video #vidoftheday #snow #starshiprobotsJust rescued this guy from some kids that had thrown snow in its eyes.. He’s I polite little chap, even said thank you. @starshiprobots #miltonkeynes #beastfromtheeast #snowday #robot #goodsamaritan #picoftheday #deliveryrobot #delivery #uk #winter #workinghard #goodvibesonly #storm #stormemma #video #vidoftheday #snow #starshiprobots
A post shared by Thom Boddington (@thomparkshaper) on Mar 1, 2018 at 10:19am PSTA post shared by Thom Boddington (@thomparkshaper) on Mar 1, 2018 at 10:19am PST
Just Eat say their delivery robots have been on trial in the city for over a year, but have been particularly effective in icy conditions.Just Eat say their delivery robots have been on trial in the city for over a year, but have been particularly effective in icy conditions.
The six-wheeled machines use radar, nine cameras and ultrasonic sensors and have been filmed making their way around the city’s icy streets with relative ease.The six-wheeled machines use radar, nine cameras and ultrasonic sensors and have been filmed making their way around the city’s icy streets with relative ease.
The @JustEatUK #snowbots have been doing a great job battling the elements to deliver #takeaways to hungry customers in #MiltonKeynes! The @StarshipRobots robot is able to switch from 6 wheels to 4 to help it navigate more easily through the #snow ❄️🤖#TheLittleRobotThatCould pic.twitter.com/eW8GXVtEOQThe @JustEatUK #snowbots have been doing a great job battling the elements to deliver #takeaways to hungry customers in #MiltonKeynes! The @StarshipRobots robot is able to switch from 6 wheels to 4 to help it navigate more easily through the #snow ❄️🤖#TheLittleRobotThatCould pic.twitter.com/eW8GXVtEOQ
British Transport Police have weighed in on the unruly passengers near Lewisham station.British Transport Police have weighed in on the unruly passengers near Lewisham station.
We have all available officers & our emergency response teams deployed to help evacuate passengers on the trapped trains in the #Lewisham & surrounding areas. @metpoliceuk & @LondonFire are also in attendance.We have all available officers & our emergency response teams deployed to help evacuate passengers on the trapped trains in the #Lewisham & surrounding areas. @metpoliceuk & @LondonFire are also in attendance.
Whilst we understand peoples concerns & frustration, please, please remain on the trains. We are working with rail staff to evacuate passengers from a number of services along the line but please be assured we will get to you as soon as we are physically able to #LewishamWhilst we understand peoples concerns & frustration, please, please remain on the trains. We are working with rail staff to evacuate passengers from a number of services along the line but please be assured we will get to you as soon as we are physically able to #Lewisham
A Southeastern spokesman added:A Southeastern spokesman added:
There are currently severe delays to trains in the Lewisham area following a serious trespass incident.There are currently severe delays to trains in the Lewisham area following a serious trespass incident.
Several passengers have forced open the doors on a train and disembarked while it was stopped outside of the station.Several passengers have forced open the doors on a train and disembarked while it was stopped outside of the station.
We’ve had to turn the power off for safety reasons, and Southeastern staff are currently working closely with Network Rail and the police to clear the trespassers from the tracks so that we can get trains moving again.We’ve had to turn the power off for safety reasons, and Southeastern staff are currently working closely with Network Rail and the police to clear the trespassers from the tracks so that we can get trains moving again.
We completely understand that passengers on delayed and busy trains may be frustrated, but they simply must stay on the train for their own safety.We completely understand that passengers on delayed and busy trains may be frustrated, but they simply must stay on the train for their own safety.
These trespassers risk being electrocuted by the ‘third’ rail or hit by other trains. They’re also causing significant further delay for other passengers that our staff are working hard to get home.These trespassers risk being electrocuted by the ‘third’ rail or hit by other trains. They’re also causing significant further delay for other passengers that our staff are working hard to get home.
Southeastern have again urged rail passengers to remain onboard their trains, following multiple reports of travellers filtering onto the tracks near Lewisham station.Southeastern have again urged rail passengers to remain onboard their trains, following multiple reports of travellers filtering onto the tracks near Lewisham station.
The company say trains will not move in the area until they can be sure nobody is on the tracks and they can switch the power back on.The company say trains will not move in the area until they can be sure nobody is on the tracks and they can switch the power back on.
Earlier this evening they asked for police assistance. They appear to have shut off power to tracks to stop customers being electrocuted – causing further delays.Earlier this evening they asked for police assistance. They appear to have shut off power to tracks to stop customers being electrocuted – causing further delays.
#LEWISHAM: We can't tell you when you'll be moving at the moment. Process is effectively this; when people stop getting off trains (unless controlled by emerg. services) and we're clear no-one else is on track, the power will go back on. Once this happens - trains will move.#LEWISHAM: We can't tell you when you'll be moving at the moment. Process is effectively this; when people stop getting off trains (unless controlled by emerg. services) and we're clear no-one else is on track, the power will go back on. Once this happens - trains will move.
The death toll from the cold weather is now confirmed to have reached 10.The death toll from the cold weather is now confirmed to have reached 10.
My colleagues Steven Morris, Matthew Weaver and Josh Halliday report that two people have died today, adding to the eight who have lost their life this week.My colleagues Steven Morris, Matthew Weaver and Josh Halliday report that two people have died today, adding to the eight who have lost their life this week.
They write:They write:
The UK is counting the cost of extraordinary blizzards that have brought parts of the country to a standstill, leaving death and destruction and bringing misery to tens of thousands of travellers.The UK is counting the cost of extraordinary blizzards that have brought parts of the country to a standstill, leaving death and destruction and bringing misery to tens of thousands of travellers.
You can read their full story, Death toll reaches 10 as destructive weather batters UK, by following the link.You can read their full story, Death toll reaches 10 as destructive weather batters UK, by following the link.
Rail networks continue to urge travellers to avoid all but essential journeys.Rail networks continue to urge travellers to avoid all but essential journeys.
Major and widespread disruption is effecting the railways, after some commuters spent the night on board trains on Thursday.Major and widespread disruption is effecting the railways, after some commuters spent the night on board trains on Thursday.
Southeastern say they have asked for police assistance after frustrated passengers left their trains before arriving at Lewisham station’s platform. The company may have been forced to shut off the power on the tracks to stop customers being electrocuted, causing further delays.Southeastern say they have asked for police assistance after frustrated passengers left their trains before arriving at Lewisham station’s platform. The company may have been forced to shut off the power on the tracks to stop customers being electrocuted, causing further delays.
Southeastern trains have been telling rail users not to travel.Southeastern trains have been telling rail users not to travel.
Earlier today it was announced that no services would be running out of London Waterloo, the country’s busiest station, after 8pm.Earlier today it was announced that no services would be running out of London Waterloo, the country’s busiest station, after 8pm.
Some restrictions on tickets have been lifted in the capital and around the country.Some restrictions on tickets have been lifted in the capital and around the country.
Here are a selection of updates from a number of service providers.Here are a selection of updates from a number of service providers.
We've asked for extra police assistance at Lewisham because of the ongoing major disruption with a number of trains trapped in the area whilst the power is off. We know it's difficult and really unpleasant onboard the trains but you're safer remaining onboard.We've asked for extra police assistance at Lewisham because of the ongoing major disruption with a number of trains trapped in the area whilst the power is off. We know it's difficult and really unpleasant onboard the trains but you're safer remaining onboard.
❄️😱 We’re tackling icicle threats to keep customers on the move. 🚄🔌 Giant icicles edging close to high-voltage overhead power lines led today to train customers being diverted.➡️ https://t.co/SiDax0tYs3#UKsnow #weather pic.twitter.com/dcsCIxdgYA❄️😱 We’re tackling icicle threats to keep customers on the move. 🚄🔌 Giant icicles edging close to high-voltage overhead power lines led today to train customers being diverted.➡️ https://t.co/SiDax0tYs3#UKsnow #weather pic.twitter.com/dcsCIxdgYA
⚠️ #UKSnow - A number of incidents on the network are impacting service. Please travel as early as you can & consider whether it's necessary🚉 Check your journey ahead at https://t.co/4KS5k4zna7 ✋ If you're at home safe & warm & plan to travel, we'd advise against doing so pic.twitter.com/so7H2H7dcm⚠️ #UKSnow - A number of incidents on the network are impacting service. Please travel as early as you can & consider whether it's necessary🚉 Check your journey ahead at https://t.co/4KS5k4zna7 ✋ If you're at home safe & warm & plan to travel, we'd advise against doing so pic.twitter.com/so7H2H7dcm
#VTCLEARED Disruption caused by damage to the overhead electric wires at Birmingham New Street has now ended. Services are no longer affected by this problem. https://t.co/Us2UiQiNtX#VTCLEARED Disruption caused by damage to the overhead electric wires at Birmingham New Street has now ended. Services are no longer affected by this problem. https://t.co/Us2UiQiNtX
#UKSnowSE - Trains through Lewisham may be disrupted until approximately 20:30 - A train has become stuck near Lewisham, unfortunately some passengers have decided to alight from the train. as such services are being disrupted.#UKSnowSE - Trains through Lewisham may be disrupted until approximately 20:30 - A train has become stuck near Lewisham, unfortunately some passengers have decided to alight from the train. as such services are being disrupted.
⚠️ ⚠️CRITICAL UPDATE: ⚠️⚠️In line with the below - unless your journey is vital, for example you need to get home and have nowhere else to stay. DO NOT TRAVEL. If you're somewhere safe & warm and can stay overnight, please POSTPONE your journey and travel tomorrow. https://t.co/JfAUMyvSFX⚠️ ⚠️CRITICAL UPDATE: ⚠️⚠️In line with the below - unless your journey is vital, for example you need to get home and have nowhere else to stay. DO NOT TRAVEL. If you're somewhere safe & warm and can stay overnight, please POSTPONE your journey and travel tomorrow. https://t.co/JfAUMyvSFX
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❄️ This is why some rural branch lines are closed across the rail network...Here’s some recent pics of the Cromer branch on the Anglia route. 🛤👷‍♀️👷‍♂️ Our teams are working hard in freezing conditions to get trains moving again. 🚄 pic.twitter.com/J9YGLivbMR❄️ This is why some rural branch lines are closed across the rail network...Here’s some recent pics of the Cromer branch on the Anglia route. 🛤👷‍♀️👷‍♂️ Our teams are working hard in freezing conditions to get trains moving again. 🚄 pic.twitter.com/J9YGLivbMR
The M62 remains closed but all cars between junction 20 (Rochdale) and junction 24 (Huddersfield) have now been recovered, according to Greater Manchester Police.The M62 remains closed but all cars between junction 20 (Rochdale) and junction 24 (Huddersfield) have now been recovered, according to Greater Manchester Police.
Earlier today, the military were helping police resolve the incident, which saw thousands of motorists held in their cars for a number of hours. Sections of the stretch of road have been closed since late on Thursday night.Earlier today, the military were helping police resolve the incident, which saw thousands of motorists held in their cars for a number of hours. Sections of the stretch of road have been closed since late on Thursday night.
High winds and treacherous conditions meant police advised drivers not to travel in the area.High winds and treacherous conditions meant police advised drivers not to travel in the area.
The force added:The force added:
The M62 will be reopened when it is safe to do so and that decision is constantly under review.The M62 will be reopened when it is safe to do so and that decision is constantly under review.
Police Scotland have confirmed that a body has been recovered in the search for missing hill walker Alison Fox.Police Scotland have confirmed that a body has been recovered in the search for missing hill walker Alison Fox.
Officers and Mountain Rescue‎ teams had been searching the Ochil Hills near Stirling for the 51-year-old from Alloa, after she got lost on the hills near Menstrie on Thursday afternoon.Officers and Mountain Rescue‎ teams had been searching the Ochil Hills near Stirling for the 51-year-old from Alloa, after she got lost on the hills near Menstrie on Thursday afternoon.
The body was found near to Dunyat Farm at around 2.15pm on Friday afternoon. While no formal identification has yet taken place, the woman’s family have been informed.The body was found near to Dunyat Farm at around 2.15pm on Friday afternoon. While no formal identification has yet taken place, the woman’s family have been informed.
Police said that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.Police said that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
Police say a seriously ill former Royal Ballet School student is missing, after the 19-year-old reportedly left hospital without any shoes on.Police say a seriously ill former Royal Ballet School student is missing, after the 19-year-old reportedly left hospital without any shoes on.
Ashleigh Fair faced freezing conditions from around 9.30am on Thursday, when she left the Royal Berkshire Hospital, according to Thames Valley Police.Ashleigh Fair faced freezing conditions from around 9.30am on Thursday, when she left the Royal Berkshire Hospital, according to Thames Valley Police.
She is believed to have taken a taxi from Southern Hill, Reading, and arrived at Marble Arch, in central London, at 11.37am.She is believed to have taken a taxi from Southern Hill, Reading, and arrived at Marble Arch, in central London, at 11.37am.
Ms Fair has a life-threatening condition and requires urgent medical assistance, Scotland Yard said.Ms Fair has a life-threatening condition and requires urgent medical assistance, Scotland Yard said.
She was dressed in a green and pink knitted jumper, black tracksuit bottoms and pink socks when she left the hospital, but was not wearing shoes.She was dressed in a green and pink knitted jumper, black tracksuit bottoms and pink socks when she left the hospital, but was not wearing shoes.
Police are appealing for anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward.Police are appealing for anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Emily Evans, investigating officer at Thames Valley Police, said:Detective Sergeant Emily Evans, investigating officer at Thames Valley Police, said:
We are very concerned for Ashleigh’s wellbeing.We are very concerned for Ashleigh’s wellbeing.
She is vulnerable and unwell, and we are also concerned that she is not wearing appropriate clothing for the weather.She is vulnerable and unwell, and we are also concerned that she is not wearing appropriate clothing for the weather.
I would ask anyone who sees her, or has any information which they think could lead to us locating her, to please call us on 999.I would ask anyone who sees her, or has any information which they think could lead to us locating her, to please call us on 999.
Army assistance during the extreme weather in Scotland is tonight extended to Tayside and Fife, where soldiers and military 4x4s will be helping transport essential staff to and from their hospitals.Army assistance during the extreme weather in Scotland is tonight extended to Tayside and Fife, where soldiers and military 4x4s will be helping transport essential staff to and from their hospitals.
NHS Tayside and NHS Fife requested the assistance given their more rural nature and the increased staff travelling distances.NHS Tayside and NHS Fife requested the assistance given their more rural nature and the increased staff travelling distances.
Last night soldiers helped to transport some 200 critical care staff to hospitals in Edinburgh. Patient transport continues to be provided by the Scottish Ambulance Service.Last night soldiers helped to transport some 200 critical care staff to hospitals in Edinburgh. Patient transport continues to be provided by the Scottish Ambulance Service.