UK: Drivers trapped in snow drifts as cold snap persists

Drivers trapped in snow drifts as cold snap persists
By Jenny Booth and PA News

Dozens of motorists were trapped by drifting snow today as freezing weather tightened its grip on the country.

Firefighters helped to dig out around 200 cars from snow reported to be drifting 3ft deep (91cm) in East Yorkshire. Weather forecasters said that up to 8in (20cm) may fall in the region by this afternoon.

Police used 4x4 vehicles to reach stranded drivers on the A1079 at Arras Hill, near Market Weighton, in East Yorkshire, and give them hot drinks as the rescue operation continued.

Hazardous driving conditions were persisting across the east of England and Scotland, bringing with them travel disruption and several road accidents.

Planes in and out of Newcastle International Airport were affected. Two services to Dublin and Belfast were cancelled this morning, while six domestic and international flights were delayed. A Newcastle Airport spokeswoman said that a team of workers was de-icing the runway and clearing the snow which continued to fall on Tyneside.

The cold snap was expected to ease by the end of the day, with mild temperatures and rain washing most of the snow away. But police continued to urge people not to drive unless journeys were "absolutely essential".

In Kent, there was rush-hour traffic chaos as heavy snow fell once more on roads around Dartford, Canterbury and Ashford. Inspector Mark Baldwin, of Kent Police, said: "If you do have to go out, use dipped headlights, but make sure you clear the snow off them first. Ensure you have screenwash in the car. It is also sensible to take warm clothing and a shovel with you."

The Highways Agency said that rain would be the main problem in the South West and South East as the snow cleared away, while the Midlands would also see rain as the snow moved further east.

In the North East, however, drivers were warned to be prepared for snowy roads. An Agency spokesman said: "In the snow, road users are advised to be prepared by carrying a ‘winter weather kit’ in their vehicle or to be prepared for severe weather and should consider delaying their journeys if possible.

"Road users should also be aware of the risk of crosswinds and maintain additional distance from the vehicle in front in the rain later this afternoon and evening."

The rail network appeared to have escaped severe disruption. A spokeswoman for Network Rail said that a power failure had caused delays on the west coast between Carlisle and Glasgow, but added: "There have been no major problems today at all."

The PA WeatherCentre said that by late afternoon even the snow in East Yorkshire would start to ease off and turn to sleet. A spokesman said: "It is still snowing in parts of Scotland, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, through to East Yorkshire, into Essex and the east of Kent. There have also been reports of snow at Gatwick Airport.

"It is going to turn very wet as the day goes on, with a belt of warm, tropical air coming in from the Atlantic. Rain will be heavy at times with most of the snow washed away by the end of today.

"Data at 9am showed that 8 to 12 cm (3 to 4.75in) had fallen across parts of Yorkshire, and at 11am there had been up to 7cm (2.75in) in the North East.

"But across low-lying Yorkshire the snow is already starting to turn to sleet, and will turn to rain later. By 3pm today it will only be snowing on the highest parts of the Yorkshire Moors."