Yellow weather alert for snow and ice and travel warnings as North West sees 'first taste of winter'
Parts of the region have had “the first taste of winter” as snow blanketed much of the North West causing train cancellations and road delays.
The Met Office put three yellow warnings for snow and ice in place across the North West - advising that vehicles could be stranded, power cuts may occur and rural areas could be cut off.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also issued the first amber cold weather health alert of the season, warning conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly.
The yellow warning for snow and Ice has been issued until 11am on Tuesday 19 November, while the amber warning from the UKHSA lasts until 6pm on Saturday.
As a result of the conditions gritters were out overnight in an attempt to keep the region's roads flowing.
National Rail warned the cold climate would affect various routes on northern train services until at least 2pm on Tuesday.
Mersey Rail issued an alert warning passengers that due to the potential of snow and ice covering tracks, the first service on each line would run without customers to ensure conditions could be checked.
Motorists have been put on high alert, with the National Highways issuing an amber severe snow alert for roads across the region.
It said the M56 in Manchester, junction 39 of the M6 and junctions 21-23 of the M62 and M1 in Leeds and Sheffield are likely to see disruption.
The Met Office, which described the conditions as “the first taste of winter”, said 5-10cm of snow would prove disruptive.
In Macclesfield the Cat and Fiddle Road is shut both ways due to snow around Bull Hill Lane and the A54.
Manchester Road is closed due to snow from B5470 Lower Macclesfield Road in Whaley Bridge to St Johns Road in to Buxton.
Manchester Airport says it's 'operating as normal'.
"We encourage all passengers travelling today to check travel conditions before setting off and to allow extra time for their journey to the airport," it added.
The Alzheimer’s Society warned that cold weather can be “particularly challenging” for people with dementia.
“Colder temperatures can be difficult for a person with dementia to adjust to, and they may not always be able to communicate that they are cold – or they may not even recognise it themselves,” the charity said.
It advised the public to check in on loved ones, friends and neighbours living with the condition.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, from the UKHSA, said: “This is the first amber Cold Weather Health Alert of the season, but we can expect more as we approach winter, and it is vital to check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the onset of cold weather.
“Particularly if they are elderly or otherwise at increased risk.”
Age UK director Caroline Abrahams said the charity was worried that the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment has caused many older people to be “extra fearful” about turning on their heating this winter.
“With high energy bills and food prices it is understandable that some may think they have to cut back on food and turn their heating off, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can have a serious impact on an older person’s health, especially if they are already trying to manage existing illnesses,” she said.
“The cold raises blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke and breathing in cold air can also increase the risk, and impact, of serious illnesses like flu and pneumonia.”
Ms Abrahams said it is “vital” that older people stay “fit, warm and well if they can” by having hot food and drinks throughout the day, wrapping up warm and sleeping with the windows closed.
How long will the cold snap last?
Cold Arctic air will remain with us all week. It's looking much colder for all of us with winter hazards to be aware of and a notable wind chill enhancing the cold feel.
There is a risk of rain turning to sleet and hill snow in places later in the week and details will become clearer in the coming days.