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Weather causes Eurostar breakdown Weather causes Eurostar breakdown
(10 minutes later)
Three Eurostar trains have broken down in the Channel Tunnel due to cold weather, as more snow is expected to cause disruption in parts of Britain.Three Eurostar trains have broken down in the Channel Tunnel due to cold weather, as more snow is expected to cause disruption in parts of Britain.
The temperature difference between the chilly open air and warm tunnel under the English Channel caused the trains to break down, Eurostar said.The temperature difference between the chilly open air and warm tunnel under the English Channel caused the trains to break down, Eurostar said.
It said a rescue locomotive was trying to get them out.It said a rescue locomotive was trying to get them out.
More snow and freezing temperatures are is expected for parts of Scotland and south-east and eastern England.More snow and freezing temperatures are is expected for parts of Scotland and south-east and eastern England.
The three trains were all from Paris to London. Two further trains travelling from Brussels and Paris heading for the tunnel were turned back.The three trains were all from Paris to London. Two further trains travelling from Brussels and Paris heading for the tunnel were turned back.
Eurostar spokesman Grant Smith explained the reasons behind the breakdown of the trains, which has affected hundreds of passengers.Eurostar spokesman Grant Smith explained the reasons behind the breakdown of the trains, which has affected hundreds of passengers.
Bad driving conditions
He said: "It's snowing in northern France. It's very, very cold. The weather conditions are very, very bad.He said: "It's snowing in northern France. It's very, very cold. The weather conditions are very, very bad.
"There's a difference in temperature between outside the tunnel and inside. And that's why it causes technical problems.""There's a difference in temperature between outside the tunnel and inside. And that's why it causes technical problems."
Driving conditions are treacherous in much of England.Driving conditions are treacherous in much of England.
The east of England is expected to receive about 5cm (2in) of snow and the Kent coast up to 20cm (8in) over night.The east of England is expected to receive about 5cm (2in) of snow and the Kent coast up to 20cm (8in) over night.
ADVICE TO ROAD USERS Do not travel in severe weather unless journey is essentialCheck local and national weather forecasts before setting out and take warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and spadeDrive with care even after roads are salt treated and keep your distance - it can take 10 times longer to stop in icy conditions Source: Highways Agency Your pictures: Snowfall across UK How exactly do you grit a road?
Kent Police reported delays to the county's ports and to the Eurotunnel.Kent Police reported delays to the county's ports and to the Eurotunnel.
However the snowfall will not be as heavy as on Thursday night which led to hundreds of school closures, travel chaos and thousands of power outages.However the snowfall will not be as heavy as on Thursday night which led to hundreds of school closures, travel chaos and thousands of power outages.
The BBC weather unit said the snow showers would die out in south-east and eastern England by Saturday morning and much of the country would wake to a dry and bright day.The BBC weather unit said the snow showers would die out in south-east and eastern England by Saturday morning and much of the country would wake to a dry and bright day.
ADVICE TO ROAD USERS Do not travel in severe weather unless journey is essentialCheck local and national weather forecasts before setting out and take warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and spadeDrive with care even after roads are salt treated and keep your distance - it can take 10 times longer to stop in icy conditions Source: Highways Agency Your pictures: Snowfall across UK How exactly do you grit a road?
However more treacherous driving conditions are predicted as rain, sleet and snow passes down through Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England and Wales throughout Saturday afternoon and evening.However more treacherous driving conditions are predicted as rain, sleet and snow passes down through Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England and Wales throughout Saturday afternoon and evening.
The BBC weather unit said this would be followed by freezing temperatures leaving widespread icy condition across England by Sunday morning.The BBC weather unit said this would be followed by freezing temperatures leaving widespread icy condition across England by Sunday morning.
Kent Police said there are currently traffic hold-ups on main routes in the Folkestone and Dover area and that the Eurotunnel is experiencing delays due to weather conditions in France.Kent Police said there are currently traffic hold-ups on main routes in the Folkestone and Dover area and that the Eurotunnel is experiencing delays due to weather conditions in France.
There are also problems at the Port of Dover because of the extra traffic.There are also problems at the Port of Dover because of the extra traffic.
On Friday evening Easyjet also said there would be further delays and cancellations.On Friday evening Easyjet also said there would be further delays and cancellations.
FORECAST FROM BBC WEATHER FORECAST FROM BBC WEATHER
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Map Key

  • Land
  • Cloud
  • Lakes, Rivers & Sea

Fog

Light Heavy

Frost

Light Heavy

Pressure Fronts

Cold Warm Occluded

Rain

Light Heavy Extreme

Snow

Light Heavy

Map Key

  • Land
  • Cloud
  • Lakes, Rivers & Sea

Fog

Light Heavy

Frost

Light Heavy

Pressure Fronts

Cold Warm Occluded

Rain

Light Heavy Extreme

Snow

Light Heavy
Temperature tab onlyTemperature tab only

Temperature (°C)

Temperature (°C)

More details from BBC WeatherMore details from BBC Weather
The carrier warned passengers whose flights had been cancelled on Friday that they may not be able to transfer on to flights for a few days.The carrier warned passengers whose flights had been cancelled on Friday that they may not be able to transfer on to flights for a few days.
Easyjet also warned against going directly to airports to make alternative arrangements because of the huge numbers of passengers already there, in particular at Luton and Gatwick.Easyjet also warned against going directly to airports to make alternative arrangements because of the huge numbers of passengers already there, in particular at Luton and Gatwick.
Meanwhile the BBC's Kirsty Lang, at Heathrow Airport, reported on Friday night that 350 British Airways passengers who had been due to fly to Cape Town at 2145 BST the previous evening were still waiting to depart. British Airways issued a statement, relating to Heathrow Airport, in which it said the snow had caused "long delays throughout Friday and also some cancellations".
"Unfortunately we have had aircraft and crews out of position causing knock on effects to our Saturday schedule," it said.
Sporting events
The airline advised customers to check its website - ba.com - for information on the status of their flight before travelling to the airport over the weekend.
It said customers whose flights have been cancelled can be rebooked onto alternative flights or claim a full refund.
The harsh conditions have also cancelled a number of sporting fixtures planned for the weekend.The harsh conditions have also cancelled a number of sporting fixtures planned for the weekend.
Friday evening's Heineken Cup clash between Newport Gwent Dragons and Biarritz was called off due to a partially-frozen pitch.Friday evening's Heineken Cup clash between Newport Gwent Dragons and Biarritz was called off due to a partially-frozen pitch.
And there have been several casualties among the weekend's Football League fixture list with the Coca-Cola League Two game at home to Lincoln on Friday night the first to go.And there have been several casualties among the weekend's Football League fixture list with the Coca-Cola League Two game at home to Lincoln on Friday night the first to go.
On Saturday, the games at Aldershot and Colchester have also been called off.On Saturday, the games at Aldershot and Colchester have also been called off.
And for the second day in a row, there will be no racing at Ascot on Saturday due to the snow.And for the second day in a row, there will be no racing at Ascot on Saturday due to the snow.