UK weather: Heavy snow hits much of UK as thousands left without power - with warnings extended to Monday

5 January 2025, 07:48 | Updated: 5 January 2025, 15:14

Heavy snow warnings remain in place across northern England - with the weather leaving thousands without power across the UK and causing disruption at airports.

The amber Met Office warning is in place for snow across northern England until midnight, while much of Wales and the Midlands has also been affected by snow, ice and freezing rain.

Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport closed their runways for several hours due to snow this morning, urging passengers to check with their airlines for the latest flight information while their teams work to clear the snow.

Leeds Bradford Airport's runway is still closed as its teams work to clear snow and minimise the impact on flight schedules.

It comes after Birmingham Airport suspended operations for several hours overnight "for snow clearing and safety reasons" but said it was on schedule for "business as usual" to start the morning.

Bristol Airport reopened at about 11pm on Saturday after an earlier closure, but some passengers who landed at the airport early this morning were left waiting for their baggage for several hours.

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Meanwhile more than 1,000 power outages across England and Wales have been reported by the National Grid and other power operators.

In an update on X late this morning, the National Grid said its teams were standing by to respond to heavy snowfall and that those affected should call them on 105 to report a power cut.

The Met Office had warned that power cuts were likely in amber alert zones due to ice.

And while a number of lower league football matches have been called off, the highly anticipated Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United is set to go ahead at Anfield this afternoon after a safety meeting was held to assess the weather and travel conditions.

Where are the weather warnings - and how much snow could we see?

An amber warning has now expired for snow, ice and freezing rain covering the East Midlands, West Midlands, North West England, Yorkshire and Humber and Wales.

About 3cm to 7cm of snowfall was predicted for much of the affected area, mixing with rain at times in lower-lying areas.

Another amber snow warning in place until midnight covers the East Midlands, North East England, North West England, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber.

Amber warnings are put in place where there is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt plans, the Met Office says.

This means there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property, it adds.

Read more on Sky News:
What is freezing rain and what makes it so dangerous?
Tips for keeping warm - from people in some of the coldest towns on Earth

Less severe yellow warnings for snow, ice or rain are in place throughout the majority of the UK today.

The Met says it is safest not to drive in areas with amber warnings in place, and says to consider alternative forms of transport if journeys are essential.

Are there weather warnings in place tomorrow?

As it stands, there are yellow snow, ice and rain warnings across the vast majority of the UK tomorrow at various times of the day.

You can stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings by clicking here.

(c) Sky News 2025: UK weather: Heavy snow hits much of UK as thousands left without power - with warnings extended to Monday