Snow Causes Traffic Chaos Across Britain

Severe weather in the UK has caused complete disruption of transport systems with many cancellations of trains, buses and flights. And forecasters have warned that more heavy snow is set to hit the British shores as the UK endures its coldest winter for 13 years.

Met office forecasters have issued warnings that snowstorms from Russia, brewing over the north sea, will bring even more freezing temperatures, biting winds and snow. While the weather may improve for a while, forecasters warn of more heavy snow on its way this week.

The Automobile Association have warned people not to treat their cars as overcoats. If they break down or if the road ahead is blocked they will need to leave their vehicles and must ensure that they are adequately protected against the cold, else they will risk hypothermia.

London and the Southeast of England have experienced the heaviest snow falls in the region for 20 years. London mayor, Boris Johnson, was forced to shut down the whole of the London bus network due to the effects of the severe winter weather. Disruption to public transport has led many people to work from home and lots of schools are still closed.

The worst snowstorm to hit London for 20 years has cancelled hundreds of flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton. The closure of one of Heathrow airport’s busy runways resulted in more than 650 flight cancellations. The outlook for travellers this week continues to look uncertain as forecasters predict even more severe weather.

The cancellation of many trains and buses is resulting in lots of people attempting to get to the airports by car. The icy road conditions are making driving treacherous, particularly on untreated local roads and hills. The roads are littered with abandoned cars, buses and trucks, some blocking carriageways.

Anyone who is hoping to fly from Heathrow or Gatwick is advised to contact their airport before leaving home. And if you are planning to take your car to the airport be sure to pre-book your Heathrow parking or Gatwick parking space in advance to be certain of a place.

The current advice is: ‘if your journey isn’t vital, stay at home’.

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