London covered in snow as freezing temperatures sweep across the UK
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Snowy and icy weather across the UK has caused major disruption to major roads and rail networks, with many services cancelled, delayed or revised.
The bad weather has affected services on the Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink networks.
Passengers have been advised to only be absolutely essential as delays are expected until the end of the day.
The disruptions come a day before thousands of workers take part in two 48-hour rail strikes this week.
As commuters faced early morning travel chaos due to ice, fog and snow, the RAC reported they were “exceptionally busy” dealing with 7,500 motorists with breakdowns.
The RAC’s Rod Dennis said this was 50 per cent more than they would see on a normal Monday in December.
Essex Police also said they had dealt with a number of incidents on the roads today, including breakdowns and collisions arising from the bad weather.
Schools were also affected by the bad weather, with some closing their doors on Monday. The disruption looks set to continue on Tuesday, with some schools planning to remain closed as the cold weather prevails.
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Watch: Londoners band together to move stranded bus during heavy snowfall
Londoners band together to move stuck bus during heavy snowfall
Aisha Rimi13 December 2022 00:41
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UK school closures and late opening due to snow – see the full list in your area
Some schools closed their doors on Monday as parents and staff struggled to make the journey in wintry conditions or heating systems stopped working. Others decided to start later in the day after assessing the safety conditions in the morning.
The disruption looks set to continue on Tuesday, with schools already saying they plan to close as the cold weather continues.
Zoe Tidman has the full story:
Aisha Rimi December 12, 2022 11:40 p.m
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Flood warning issued for Hampshire
The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for Hampshire.
Flooding is expected in a number of locations on Hayling Island, including South Hayling village, Sinah Common, Westfield, Sea View, Mengham and South Eastoke seafront.
Government people should take steps to protect themselves and their property, and monitor local weather and river conditions.
They have also urged the public to avoid contact with, walking or driving through flood water, and to activate any flood protection products on property they may have.
Aisha Rimi December 12, 2022 7:42 p.m
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Essex Police deal with breakdowns and collisions in bad weather
Essex Police today reported a number of incidents on the area’s roads, with breakdowns and collisions as a result of the icy and snowy weather experienced across much of the UK today.
Aisha Rimi December 12, 2022 6:28 p.m
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Several train lines affected by bad weather, causing delays and cancellations
Services on the Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink networks have been disrupted due to the bad weather.
The outages are expected to continue into tomorrow morning.
Passengers are advised to travel only if absolutely necessary and to check their journeys in advance.
Aisha Rimi December 12, 2022 5:30 p.m
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The UK experiences the coldest day in the UK for 12 years
According to the Met Office, the highest temperature recorded today in Braemar, Aberdeenshire, is -9.3C.
If temperatures do not rise overnight, this will be the lowest maximum temperature recorded in the UK since December 2010.
Aisha Rimi December 12, 2022 4:46 p.m
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Northern Ireland hit with a yellow weather warning
Freezing temperatures will remain across Northern Ireland this week, forecasters say.
The coldest temperature of the year so far, -9C, was recorded in Katesbridge, Co Down, in the early hours of Monday.
Met Office weather warnings for ice and fog remain in place until 10am on Tuesday.
The sub-zero temperatures will remain until Thursday.
Travel has been affected by the weather, with a number of flights from London canceled on Monday.
The Met Office has forecast another cold day across Northern Ireland on Tuesday, despite spells of weak wintry sunshine and scattered wintry showers.
Occasional rain, sleet and snow are expected on Wednesday and Thursday.
Police have asked motorists to use extra caution when driving due to icy conditions in some areas.
“Please slow down and drive to suit the conditions,” they added.
Aisha Rimi December 12, 2022 4:26 p.m
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Watch: Skiing, foxes and freeway snowmen: the best videos of the first snow day in December
Skiing, foxes and freeway snowmen: the best videos of the first snow day in December
Aisha Rimi December 12, 2022 3:52 p.m
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National Grid ditches coal plants for power supply plan
The National Grid has told two of its coal-fired power stations to stand down after preparing to generate electricity amid pressure from freezing weather conditions.
National Grid said it had asked winter “contingency” plants to prepare to run to “give the public confidence in Monday’s power supply”.
He said the plans meant coal stations could be used as “additional contingency tools” as needed to allow the grid to operate as usual.
However, he told the units they would not be needed later on Monday as there was “adequate available contingency” to power households across the country tonight.
The instruction from coal plants was the first since they were put on standby and came as the grid said it would also conduct another test of its demand flexibility service, which pays customers to use less electricity during certain hours
Aisha Rimi December 12, 2022 3:31 p.m
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Do the tubes work during snow?
Many parts of the UK saw snow last night, after the coldest night of the year saw temperatures drop well below freezing. Unlike the snowfalls of recent winters, this one continued overnight and settled, causing significant disruption across the country.
Some flights from Liverpool, Manchester, London Luton and London Gatwick have been canceled or diverted. A section of the M25 between junctions 23 and 25 was also closed, although it has now reopened and schools have been closed across the UK.
Train operators including Thameslink, Southern, Southeastern and South West Railway also suffered major delays and disruptions.
Snow covers the tracks as underground trains are parked in London
(AP)
Thomas Kingsley December 12, 2022 3:00 p.m