Going SNOW-WHERE! Minus 15C Arctic freeze grinds UK to a halt

• Ice, fog, and snow warnings are in place for much of the UK today, with temperatures struggling to get above freezing 
• Significant travel disruption expected on roads, railways and runways, as well as hundreds of school closures
• Drivers in the southeast were urged not to travel unless it was essential due to heavy snowfall on Sunday

Hundreds of drivers spent several hours stuck on the M25 in Hertfordshire overnight as snow and ice caused havoc on the roads.

Traffic ground to a standstill with motorists moving several hundred yards in hours as cars skidded and struggled in the heavy snow.

More travel disruption is expected on the roads, railways and at airports, as well as school closures, after snow fell across parts of the UK last night, with up to 10cm more forecast today.

Snow and ice weather warnings are in force from the Met Office across northern Scotland, and southeast and eastern England.

Fog and ice warnings are in place for Northern Ireland, for much of England and parts of Wales, as much of the UK will struggle to get above freezing on Monday.

In parts of the southeast of England there was significant snowfall overnight, with wintry showers combining with the freezing temperatures causing icy conditions.

The warnings come as four children remain in a critical condition in hospital after falling through ice on a frozen lake in Solihull, West Midlands, on Sunday.

This morning, Richard Stanton, area commander for West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service, said a search operation was continuing today after initial reports and video on social media suggested ‘up to six’ children had gone into the water at Babbs Mill Park.

He told BBC’s Radio 4 Today programme: ‘Initial reports stated that there were up to six people that had gone into the water and so search operations have continued throughout yesterday and will continue today to search the entirety of the lake.’ 

Mr Stanton urged people to take care near lakes amid the freezing temperatures that have swept across the UK today, saying it was ‘really important’ people contacted emergency services as quickly as possible.

Travel disruption is expected on motorways after there were several accidents, with drivers being urged to take care on major roads.

Road users in the southeast of England were being asked by National Highways not to travel unless it was essential due to heavy snow already with more forecast for later.

Kent was being particularly hard hit, with snow severely impacting the M2, the M20 around junctions 8 and 9, the A21 and the A249, with drivers struggling to get through, the organisation said.

National Highways duty operations manager for the region Gina Oxley said: ‘We have been out gritting throughout the afternoon and we’re continuing to treat routes so we can reach the worst-affected areas and support our customers with their journeys.

‘For anyone thinking of travelling (on Sunday night), our advice would be not to unless absolutely essential as heavy snow is expected to continue until 9am (Monday).’

Heathrow Airport said it was restricting the number of takeoffs and landings today, while Gatwick urged passengers to check before setting off.

All flights have been suspended at Stansted Airport last night after it was forced to close its runway due to bad weather.

The Essex airport said in a statement: ‘London Stansted Airport’s runway is currently closed to allow for snow clearance due to weather conditions and all flights are currently suspended.

‘Delays to flights were experienced earlier due to de-icing of aircraft which is a ground handler’s responsibility and the safety of aircraft and passengers is paramount.

‘Passengers are advised to check with their airline for the current status of their flights.’

Schools across the UK closed today as people were warned not to travel unless absolutely essential. 

Daily Mail UK