Second day of snow sweeps the Midlands causing major disruption
People across the Midlands have woken up this morning to a second day of heavy snow sweeping the region, as a yellow weather warning for ice remains in force until Sunday.
A fallen tree blocking the railway line at Mansfield has left rail services at a standstill between Nottingham, Mansfield and Worksop until further notice.
Both East Midlands Airport and Birmingham Airport had to temporarily shut its runways this morning to clear heavy snow that had fallen overnight.
Passengers at both airports are advised to check the status of their flights online and are warned there may be some delays.
It comes as the Midlands braces for strong winds bringing blizzard conditions and travel disruption for a second day.
A fourth yellow warning for snow covers all of the UK north of Birmingham, spanning from 7am on Thursday until 2pm on Friday.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for “strong winds bringing blizzard conditions” and up to 40cm of snow to the area stretching Stoke-on-Trent.
The amber weather warning lasts for 21 hours from 3pm on Thursday – and “significant disruption” to transport, power lines and phone network coverage is likely.
Airports
Passengers using Birmingham Airport and East Midlands airport are advised to check arrivals and departures pages on the website for updates on your flight status.
Runways at both airports have been closed this morning in order to clear heavy snowfall and have now reopened.
Birmingham airport say de-icing aircrafts is a must-do, critical job.
Attractions
Some of the regions attractions have made the decision to close today.
They include West Midlands Safari Park and Dudley Zoo.
Drayton Manor have decided to close till Saturday. They said it's to "...ensure the safety of both our guests and staff.
The Black Country Museum have also said they've "...had to take the reluctant decision to close the Museum. For any updates please visit our website.
Emergency Services
Derbyshire County Council say they are dealing with a major incident in with the impact of the snow across the High Peak and upper Derbyshire Dales.
Advice from all agencies involved is not to travel in these areas.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service are reiterating that same message, saying people should only travel if absolutely necessary
Elsewhere, National Highways has warned drivers in the West Midlands to also not travel unless their journey is essential.
The authority confirmed a collision on the M42 northbound in Birmingham this morning.
As a result, there have been severe delays of at least 90 minutes along the motorway between Junction 2 and 3a.
Meanwhile, West Midlands 4x4 Response have been out throughout the night rescuing people from stranded vehicles.
The volunteers provide transportation to the community in adverse weather conditions.
Road advice:
A458 - BOTH DIRECTIONS - BUTTINGTON - POWYS
A458 in both directions closed due to snow between Buttington (Buttington Roundabout, Buttington) and Halfway House (Halfway House).
A488 LOVE LANE - KNIGHTON - SHROPSHIRE
A488 Love Lane impassable due to snow between Knighton (Knighton) and Bishops Castle (Bishops Castle).
A515 - BOTH DIRECTIONS - NEWHAVEN - DERBYSHIRE
A515 in both directions closed due to snow between the petrol station (Newhaven) and Rakes Lane (Tissington).
A515 - BOTH DIRECTIONS - BRIERLOW BAR - DERBYSHIRE
A515 in both directions closed due to snow from A5270 (Brierlow Bar) to A5012 (Newhaven).
RAC Breakdown said there was “an increase in breakdowns” in a zone stretching west from London along the M4 corridor and into Wales.
Rod Dennis, from RAC, said: “We’re continuing to monitor the weather situation closely, but with further snow expected over the next few days there is still the potential for some significant disruption to journeys.“
"Even a little snow and ice can make roads treacherous, so we’re advising everyone who does set out to proceed extremely cautiously.
“We’re also conscious that there will be a large number of new drivers who may never have experienced snow on the roads before, so we urge them to take particular care and drive well within the speed limit to give themselves plenty of time to react should the vehicle in front run into difficulty.”
Mr Dennis advised motorists venturing out to prepare for their journeys by packing warm clothes and blankets, sturdy footwear, food and drink, and a portable phone charger.
A Met Office yellow warning for snow and ice covers northern Scotland until 10am on Thursday, along with central and southern areas of England and Wales from midnight until 7am.
Schools closed
A number of Birmingham schools have closed today for the second day in a row due to the heavy snowfall.
Councils
Some councils have had to suspend some of their services due to the snow.
Coventry Council have suspended their bin collections and said: "A further assessment will be made, and we hope to get back out again as conditions improve.
However, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Waste Teams have had to suspend collections.They said "We hope that if conditions change today, we may resume prioritising refuse collections which are due in Earl Shilton and some rural areas (Shenton/Stapleton/Sibson) today."If your refuse bin is not emptied, please re-present tomorrow or Monday.
Elsewhere, Staffordshire County Council had their gritters out last night in preparation for today.
They said: "Our army of gritters will be out in force this evening and overnight as the cold snap continues to bite.
"Crews will be gritting major routes as the @metoffice forecasts snow showers, sleet and icy conditions for parts of the county into the weekend.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has placed all regions of England under a level 3 cold weather alert – lasting until midnight on Thursday.
Agostinho Sousa, a consultant at UKHSA, said the cold weather could have a “serious impact” on people’s health, particularly the elderly, while Age UK has urged people to check in with their older neighbours and relatives.