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Heavy snow and ice to continue disruption across the UK Heavy snow and ice brings travel chaos across UK
(40 minutes later)
Severe weather warnings are in place for many parts of the UK, as snow and freezing temperatures bring more travel chaos. Christmas travellers are facing further transport chaos amid warnings of heavy snow for many parts of the UK.
Hundreds of drivers spent much of the night stuck on the M6 in Greater Manchester after a lorry jack-knifed. Hundreds of drivers spent much of the night stuck on the M6 in Greater Manchester, amid disruption on the roads, railways and airports.
The arctic conditions threaten further disruption on the roads, railways and airports on the last weekend before Christmas. British Airways cancelled all flights out of Heathrow from 1000 GMT to 1700 GMT and all short-haul flights from 1000 GMT to 1600 GMT at Gatwick.
British Airways cancelled all flights out of Heathrow between 1000 GMT and 1700 GMT. Easyjet also scrapped flights at Gatwick, between 0600 GMT and 1000 GMT.
All passengers on BA flights were advised not to travel to the airport during those times on Saturday, the airline said. BA advised all passengers on BA flights during times affected not to travel to Heathrow on Saturday, and warned of severe disruption at all London airports.
A Gatwick Airport spokesman said flights to Amsterdam, Geneva, Munich and Copenhagen had all been disrupted.
'Mayhem'
Problems were reported on several motorways overnight, including the M61, M58 and M57, as 20cm of snow fell in north-west England.Problems were reported on several motorways overnight, including the M61, M58 and M57, as 20cm of snow fell in north-west England.
Commuter Stephen Derbyshire, who was stranded on the M6 for five hours, told BBC Radio 5 live: "It is absolute mayhem."Commuter Stephen Derbyshire, who was stranded on the M6 for five hours, told BBC Radio 5 live: "It is absolute mayhem."
The M6 and M61 reopened at around 0700 GMT after junctions 22-27 and 6-8 respectively had been closed.The M6 and M61 reopened at around 0700 GMT after junctions 22-27 and 6-8 respectively had been closed.
Police have advised people not to travel unless absolutely necessary.Police have advised people not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
Easyjet cancelled all flights in and out of Gatwick Airport until 1000 GMT and expects further cancellations and delays throughout the day. Jon Caudwell from the Highways Agency said they were doing their best to keep major roads in England clear but needed help from motorists.
A Gatwick spokesman said flights to Amsterdam, Geneva, Munich and Copenhagen had all been disrupted. He told 5 live: "We've obviously got more and more snow coming, so we're really going to have to work very, very hard.
"We are asking the public to really seriously consider whether they do need to come out in these conditions and if they do come out in these conditions they really must take extra care."
And there was a similar message from the Northern Ireland Roads Service, which said slush from Friday had re-frozen overnight and Christmas shoppers should think carefully before setting out by car.
In Cardiff, staff who work at University Hospital Wales are being urged to contact their wards to see if they are able to help over the weekend because the weather has hit staffing levels.In Cardiff, staff who work at University Hospital Wales are being urged to contact their wards to see if they are able to help over the weekend because the weather has hit staffing levels.
Other problems caused by the weather include:
  • Bristol Airport was closed for snow clearance but later reopened, as did Belfast International airport, although delays are expected
  • Rail operators Southern, Southeastern and South West Trains cancelled some services on Saturday
  • A number of weekend football fixtures have been cancelled and the National Hunt meeting at Haydock was abandoned
  • A cannabis factory in Leicester has been exposed by the wintry weather because heat lamps inside melted the snow on its roof
  • An urgent appeal is being made for blood donors, particularly those who are O negative, as stocks are running low
  • Companies have warned of a backlog of deliveries which may not reach customers before Christmas
  • Transport secretary Philip Hammond says distributors of heating oil are hoping to clear their delivery backlog in the next few days, following fears it may need to be rationed
Heavy snow is forecast in Northern Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and parts of England.Heavy snow is forecast in Northern Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and parts of England.
Overnight, temperatures fell as low as minus 13C in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, and minus 11C at Gatwick.Overnight, temperatures fell as low as minus 13C in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, and minus 11C at Gatwick.
Up to 10cm of snow is expected later across southern England and Wales.Up to 10cm of snow is expected later across southern England and Wales.
BBC weather forecaster Daniel Corbett said: "South-west England and the southern counties of of England will bear the brunt of this storm."BBC weather forecaster Daniel Corbett said: "South-west England and the southern counties of of England will bear the brunt of this storm."
In Northern Ireland, where conditions on Friday were said to be the worst in 25 years, the situation is expected to improve slightly with only a few snow showers expected.
Other problems caused by the weather include:
  • Bristol Airport was closed for snow clearance but Belfast International airport reopened at 0030 GMT, although delays are expected
  • Rail operators Southern, Southeastern and South West Trains cancelled some services on Saturday
  • A number of weekend football fixtures have been cancelled and the National Hunt meeting at Haydock was abandoned
  • A cannabis factory in Leicester has been exposed by the wintry weather because heat lamps inside melted the snow on its roof
  • An urgent appeal is being made for blood donors, particularly those who are O negative, as stocks are running low
  • Companies have warned of a backlog of deliveries which may not reach customers before Christmas
  • Transport secretary Philip Hammond says distributors of heating oil are hoping to clear their delivery backlog in the next few days, following fears it may need to be rationed
Heavy snowfall during the past few weeks has caused huge disruption, especially in Scotland and north-east England.Heavy snowfall during the past few weeks has caused huge disruption, especially in Scotland and north-east England.
On Friday, at least 800 schools in Wales, 500 in Scotland and 700 in Northern Ireland closed.On Friday, at least 800 schools in Wales, 500 in Scotland and 700 in Northern Ireland closed.
New Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown has insisted Scotland is "very well prepared" and the authorities are doing all they can to keep trunk roads open.New Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown has insisted Scotland is "very well prepared" and the authorities are doing all they can to keep trunk roads open.
Mr Brown' s predecessor Stewart Stevenson resigned after his department was criticised for its handling of the problems caused by the previous bout of severe weather.Mr Brown' s predecessor Stewart Stevenson resigned after his department was criticised for its handling of the problems caused by the previous bout of severe weather.
Have you been affected by the heavy snow and ice or by the backlog of deliveries? You can send us your experiences using the form below: Have you been affected by the heavy snow and ice or have your travel plans been disrupted? You can send us your experiences using the form below:
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