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UK weather: ice brings further hazards to vast swaths of country - live UK weather: ice brings further hazards to vast swaths of country - live
(about 1 hour later)
Here’s a roundup of all the weather related news today:
Police searching for 19-year-old Charlie Pope, who went missing in sub-zero temperatures, have found a body.
The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings for 14 areas in the UK including parts of Cornwall, Devon and Sunderland.
A disabled woman who took refuge from the icy conditions in a chemist after her electric wheelchair broke down has been rescued by a fire crew.
An elderly couple and their two dogs have been dug out of their house in southern Scotland after becoming trapped by 12ft (3.6m) snow drifts around the property.
The British Transport Police has urged people not to leave trains if they become stranded or delayed after frustrated passengers jumped off a train on to the tracks near Lewisham Station, south London, on Friday evening.
Eight men arrested after two supermarkets were looted in Dublin during Friday’s blizzards have been charged with theft, burglary and trespassing offences.
An emergency funding scheme has been opened for local authorities Scotland if they are facing an undue financial burden as a result of weather this week.
A yellow weather warning remains in place for much of the UK but the weather is expected to become less cold gradually over the next few days.
The weather is expected to become less cold gradually over the next few days, the Met Office has said.
A yellow weather warning remains in place for much of the UK until 11am tomorrow but in some areas in the southwest, the snow has already turned to rain.
Temperatures are now a few degrees above freezing, which will mean a slow thaw of the snow over the coming days.
Scotland will remain under the influence of the cold easterly airflow and further outbreaks of snow will be possible at times although this won’t be as heavy as in recent days.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Dan Suri, said:
After the severe cold weather and snow we’ve had this week the good news is that temperatures will slowly increase from the south, generally up to around 4 or 5 °C quite widely by the end of the weekend and we could even see up to 9 to 10 °C in southern areas.
It will remain coldest in north as well as the east of the UK and over the deepest snow cover.
As we head into next week the weather will return to something more typical for the time of year, with any snow showers gradually becoming confined to high ground in northestern Scotland and the Northern Isles.
For most of us southwesterly winds will return and we can expect rain at times.
An emergency funding scheme has been opened for local authorities in the wake of the severe weather.An emergency funding scheme has been opened for local authorities in the wake of the severe weather.
The Scottish government said it will consider applications for financial assistance through the Bellwin Scheme after Borders council requested help.The Scottish government said it will consider applications for financial assistance through the Bellwin Scheme after Borders council requested help.
Understanding how exceptional this week's weather has been the ScotGovt has activated the Bellwin Scheme, which allows Councils to apply for additional financial assistance.https://t.co/BJ5FPn2hkLUnderstanding how exceptional this week's weather has been the ScotGovt has activated the Bellwin Scheme, which allows Councils to apply for additional financial assistance.https://t.co/BJ5FPn2hkL
The discretionary fund is designed to help councils who face an undue financial burden as a result of large-scale emergencies. It was recently activated in the wake of flooding by Storm Frank at the start of 2017, with millions of pounds given to repair damage in the Borders and Aberdeenshire.The discretionary fund is designed to help councils who face an undue financial burden as a result of large-scale emergencies. It was recently activated in the wake of flooding by Storm Frank at the start of 2017, with millions of pounds given to repair damage in the Borders and Aberdeenshire.
It is now open for applications from all councils impacted by recent severe weather events, or those at risk from flooding as the snow melts.It is now open for applications from all councils impacted by recent severe weather events, or those at risk from flooding as the snow melts.
Finance secretary, Derek Mackay said:Finance secretary, Derek Mackay said:
We are committed to helping our communities remain resilient and this support will help local councils deal with any immediate and unforeseen costs resulting from the recent heavy snow falls and ongoing cold weather.We are committed to helping our communities remain resilient and this support will help local councils deal with any immediate and unforeseen costs resulting from the recent heavy snow falls and ongoing cold weather.
Although we expect to have seen the worst of the severe weather, we’re aware there remains a flooding risk in some areas as the snow melts.Although we expect to have seen the worst of the severe weather, we’re aware there remains a flooding risk in some areas as the snow melts.
The Scottish government has been holding regular meetings of the Scottish government’s resilience room (SGoRR) to monitor the situation and I would urge people continue to take care and to check for the latest guidance from Police Scotland throughout the day.The Scottish government has been holding regular meetings of the Scottish government’s resilience room (SGoRR) to monitor the situation and I would urge people continue to take care and to check for the latest guidance from Police Scotland throughout the day.
Cosla president Alison Evison said:Cosla president Alison Evison said:
Scottish Borders Council requested that the Bellwin scheme be triggered and it is good to see that the Scottish government has responded so quickly and so positively.Scottish Borders Council requested that the Bellwin scheme be triggered and it is good to see that the Scottish government has responded so quickly and so positively.
Financial support for councils who have been worse hit by recent weather events and for those councils who are at most risk from flooding as the snow melts will be crucial, given the challenges already facing council budgets.Financial support for councils who have been worse hit by recent weather events and for those councils who are at most risk from flooding as the snow melts will be crucial, given the challenges already facing council budgets.
An independent investigator will carry out a review after frustrated passengers jumped off a stranded train on to the tracks near Lewisham Station, south London, on Friday evening.An independent investigator will carry out a review after frustrated passengers jumped off a stranded train on to the tracks near Lewisham Station, south London, on Friday evening.
Southeastern apologised to passengers after the “major disruption” caused by ice affecting the power supply to trains.Southeastern apologised to passengers after the “major disruption” caused by ice affecting the power supply to trains.
A Southeastern spokesman said:A Southeastern spokesman said:
Southeastern and Network Rail will be appointing an independent investigator to carry out a full review of the events last night. Although events of this nature are extremely rare, we are determined to learn lessons that we can apply at all levels to prevent and mitigate future incidents.Southeastern and Network Rail will be appointing an independent investigator to carry out a full review of the events last night. Although events of this nature are extremely rare, we are determined to learn lessons that we can apply at all levels to prevent and mitigate future incidents.
We have also informed the independent Rail Accident Investigation Branch of the circumstances and invited them to carry out their own investigation.We have also informed the independent Rail Accident Investigation Branch of the circumstances and invited them to carry out their own investigation.
We also want to hear from passengers who were on the stranded trains last night, we ask that they get in touch with us by contacting our customer services. We will be providing compensation for those people directly affected on those trains.We also want to hear from passengers who were on the stranded trains last night, we ask that they get in touch with us by contacting our customer services. We will be providing compensation for those people directly affected on those trains.
Impressive show of strength by this group who managed to push an Asda truck up a hill in Birmingham last night.Impressive show of strength by this group who managed to push an Asda truck up a hill in Birmingham last night.
Ah, push it, push it, push it real good! Well done to the group of men who managed to push an ASDA truck up Harborne Park Road during the snow storm on Friday (02/03) (Video: Sameer Bahal) pic.twitter.com/wFIoIYJWhlAh, push it, push it, push it real good! Well done to the group of men who managed to push an ASDA truck up Harborne Park Road during the snow storm on Friday (02/03) (Video: Sameer Bahal) pic.twitter.com/wFIoIYJWhl
The A46 is still partly closed according to Highways England. But the A303 has been re-opened.The A46 is still partly closed according to Highways England. But the A303 has been re-opened.
The #A46 remains closed between the #M4 at J18 and the #A4 near #Bath. Ploughs are on scene dealing with drifts of approx 12 feet high. Closures are expected to remain in place for most of the day. Pls see pics below pic.twitter.com/m4aTxe5Xs7The #A46 remains closed between the #M4 at J18 and the #A4 near #Bath. Ploughs are on scene dealing with drifts of approx 12 feet high. Closures are expected to remain in place for most of the day. Pls see pics below pic.twitter.com/m4aTxe5Xs7
The #A303 is open in both directions between the #A30 near Honiton and the #A358 near #HortonCross. @DC_Police have worked hard to re-open the road. Thank you for your continued patience pic.twitter.com/BNa5QkOfFqThe #A303 is open in both directions between the #A30 near Honiton and the #A358 near #HortonCross. @DC_Police have worked hard to re-open the road. Thank you for your continued patience pic.twitter.com/BNa5QkOfFq
Sixteen couples managed to tie the knot in Somerset on Friday and Saturday despite the county being blanketed in snow.Sixteen couples managed to tie the knot in Somerset on Friday and Saturday despite the county being blanketed in snow.
Eleven other weddings were cancelled but only at the request of the couples involved, according to Somerset County Council.Eleven other weddings were cancelled but only at the request of the couples involved, according to Somerset County Council.
A volunteer driver and a family friend of a staff member used their 4x4 vehicles to transport ceremony officers around to each venue to ensure the services could go ahead.A volunteer driver and a family friend of a staff member used their 4x4 vehicles to transport ceremony officers around to each venue to ensure the services could go ahead.
On Saturday, Michael Barker and Nathan Wilder had a white wedding at Taunton’s Municipal Buildings thanks to two registrars who lived nearby and came in on their days off when the original staff could not make it to work.On Saturday, Michael Barker and Nathan Wilder had a white wedding at Taunton’s Municipal Buildings thanks to two registrars who lived nearby and came in on their days off when the original staff could not make it to work.
Councillor Anna Groskop, who is cabinet member for corporate and community services at the council, which covers the registration service, said:Councillor Anna Groskop, who is cabinet member for corporate and community services at the council, which covers the registration service, said:
The registration team have worked incredibly hard and showed great ingenuity throughout to ensure that we didn’t disappoint happy couples despite the extremely difficult conditions.The registration team have worked incredibly hard and showed great ingenuity throughout to ensure that we didn’t disappoint happy couples despite the extremely difficult conditions.
We did expect the worst, so this is a wonderful result.We did expect the worst, so this is a wonderful result.
Eight men arrested after two supermarkets were looted in Dublin during Friday’s blizzards have been charged with theft, burglary and trespassing offences, Irish Police have said.Eight men arrested after two supermarkets were looted in Dublin during Friday’s blizzards have been charged with theft, burglary and trespassing offences, Irish Police have said.
The defendants, aged between 24 and 47 years, were due to appear in court on Saturday morning. A number of vehicles were also reported stolen.The defendants, aged between 24 and 47 years, were due to appear in court on Saturday morning. A number of vehicles were also reported stolen.
A ninth man, in his 30s, has been arrested for handling stolen property.A ninth man, in his 30s, has been arrested for handling stolen property.
Unverified social media footage appeared to show a Lidl store being attacked with a digger before the alleged looters entered.Unverified social media footage appeared to show a Lidl store being attacked with a digger before the alleged looters entered.
Irish police said the store had sustained substantial damage, while another store had also been damaged. They urged anyone with information to come forward.Irish police said the store had sustained substantial damage, while another store had also been damaged. They urged anyone with information to come forward.
National Rail have been tweeting some updates about lines.National Rail have been tweeting some updates about lines.
#UKSnowXC - A very limited CrossCountry service is now able to run between Edinburgh and Newcastle. CrossCountry are expecting these service to be very busy, you may be standing for the duration of the journey.#UKSnowXC - A very limited CrossCountry service is now able to run between Edinburgh and Newcastle. CrossCountry are expecting these service to be very busy, you may be standing for the duration of the journey.
#UKSnowGW - Trains can now run and call at intermediate stations between Newbury and Bedwyn. Trains may be delayed by up to 15 minutes or revised whilst services return to normal.#UKSnowGW - Trains can now run and call at intermediate stations between Newbury and Bedwyn. Trains may be delayed by up to 15 minutes or revised whilst services return to normal.
#UKSnowGW - A reduced service will run to and from Severn Beach, St Ives and Falmouth Docks due to poor weather conditions. Further info here: https://t.co/OS1IdFFNOn#UKSnowGW - A reduced service will run to and from Severn Beach, St Ives and Falmouth Docks due to poor weather conditions. Further info here: https://t.co/OS1IdFFNOn
Northern Powergrid has said it hopes to restore power to everyone this afternoon.Northern Powergrid has said it hopes to restore power to everyone this afternoon.
We’re still working hard to get the power back on in #DN36; we aim to have everyone back on supply by 15:00. Thanks for your patienceWe’re still working hard to get the power back on in #DN36; we aim to have everyone back on supply by 15:00. Thanks for your patience
We’ve collated a gallery of some of the best snow photographs around today. Click through if you want to see some lions having a great time in Scotland.We’ve collated a gallery of some of the best snow photographs around today. Click through if you want to see some lions having a great time in Scotland.
In a bid to ensure kids can return to class on Monday, parents and teachers are grouping together to clear snow from school.In a bid to ensure kids can return to class on Monday, parents and teachers are grouping together to clear snow from school.
100 volunteers turned up to Kinnaird Primary School in Larbert today, after an appeal was put out by the school on social media. Armed with shovels and spades, parents, children and teachers worked to ensure the school is safe to reopen after three days of weather-enforced closure last week.100 volunteers turned up to Kinnaird Primary School in Larbert today, after an appeal was put out by the school on social media. Armed with shovels and spades, parents, children and teachers worked to ensure the school is safe to reopen after three days of weather-enforced closure last week.
Many local authorities announced last Tuesday that schools would be closed ahead of the weather warnings, with others following suit on Wednesday morning when conditions worsened. Most hope to reopen on Monday.Many local authorities announced last Tuesday that schools would be closed ahead of the weather warnings, with others following suit on Wednesday morning when conditions worsened. Most hope to reopen on Monday.
Kinnaird deputy head teacher Laura Swan joked: “I think there’s an element of parents being desperate to get the kids back out the house but it’s also the reality that the school wouldn’t be able to open without this so they’re just pulling together.”Kinnaird deputy head teacher Laura Swan joked: “I think there’s an element of parents being desperate to get the kids back out the house but it’s also the reality that the school wouldn’t be able to open without this so they’re just pulling together.”
Other schools around the country are doing likewise with Abbeyhill Primary in Edinburgh organising a “snow clearing party” for Sunday.Other schools around the country are doing likewise with Abbeyhill Primary in Edinburgh organising a “snow clearing party” for Sunday.
A Twitter post said: “Come dressed to impress in your warmest winter clothes and we really could make a difference for Monday morning. Bring a flask of something hot and we will provide some snacks.”A Twitter post said: “Come dressed to impress in your warmest winter clothes and we really could make a difference for Monday morning. Bring a flask of something hot and we will provide some snacks.”
Avon and Somerset police dogs are having fun.Avon and Somerset police dogs are having fun.
Snow dog !! pic.twitter.com/99jVCGhHPwSnow dog !! pic.twitter.com/99jVCGhHPw
Greater Manchester Police say the A640 in Denshaw remains closed but all other road closures in the Oldham and Rochdale areas have been lifted. Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said:Greater Manchester Police say the A640 in Denshaw remains closed but all other road closures in the Oldham and Rochdale areas have been lifted. Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said:
This truly has been a team effort from start to finish and we have been working closely alongside colleagues from the fire and ambulance services, mountain rescue, Highways England, multiple local authorities, the military, other police forces and volunteers.This truly has been a team effort from start to finish and we have been working closely alongside colleagues from the fire and ambulance services, mountain rescue, Highways England, multiple local authorities, the military, other police forces and volunteers.
I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding whilst rescue efforts have been carried out. Their support has been fantastic and we have even had some very thoughtful people coming out to provide hot refreshments to officers working on the ground.I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding whilst rescue efforts have been carried out. Their support has been fantastic and we have even had some very thoughtful people coming out to provide hot refreshments to officers working on the ground.
He said although the roads were starting to clear of snow in some areas, they were still experiencing very cold and icy conditions, “so I would continue to encourage people to please plan your journeys ahead of time and drive carefully.”He said although the roads were starting to clear of snow in some areas, they were still experiencing very cold and icy conditions, “so I would continue to encourage people to please plan your journeys ahead of time and drive carefully.”