Sunday Snow Day: How the North West faired after heavy snowfall

  • Report by Jennifer Buck

Heavy overnight snow was causing disruption across the North West as the cold start to the new year continued.

Both Manchester and Liverpool Airport closed their runways due to snowfall early on Sunday. Both have since reopened, but there are now warnings of severe delays throughout the day.

Two amber weather warnings from the Met Office have been put in place in England and Wales with 3cm to 7cm of snowfall predicted for much of the affected area, mixing with rain at times in lower-lying areas.

One amber warning for snow and freezing rain, which covers much of Wales and the Midlands as far north as Manchester, is in place until midday on Sunday.

The second amber warning for snow, covering most of northern England including Leeds, Sheffield and the Lake District, was in place until midnight on Sunday.

In pictures: the North West wakes up to the white stuff
Blackpool awoke to a covering of snow on Sunday Credit: PA Images
Snow has fallen right across the North West, including here in Warrington Credit: ITV Granada

National Highways warned up to 25cm of snow could hit roads in northern England, including the A628 Woodhead Pass, which connects Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire through the Peak District and was closed overnight in both directions between the A616 at Flouch and the A57 at Hollingworth, because of snow.

A snow covered street in Liverpool. Credit: PA Images

The Cat and Fiddle road in Macclesfield is closed in both directions.

On Sunday morning the M62 was declared just passable due to snow from J21 A6193 Sir Isaac Newton Way (Milnrow) to J23 A640 New Hey Road (Huddersfield).

A train makes its way along the Hunt's Cross line in Liverpool. Credit: PA Images

Meanwhile TransPennine Express have warned passengers not to travel on certain routes today. They advised peopl to stay away from the Manchester Airport - Glasgow Central and Edinburgh via Preston and Manchester Airport routes. It's due to no bus replacement services due to heavy snowfall.

Avanti West Coast trains running to and from Liverpool Lime Street were cancelled due to depot issues with disruption expected until lunchtime.

A full service is running on Merseyrail.

Fleetwood Town's game against AFC Wimbledon was postponed. However, one event scheduled to take place on Sunday WILL go ahead.

People play in the snow in Stanley Park at Anfield in Liverpool. Credit: PA Images

A meeting took place on Sunday morning ahead of Liverpool vs Manchester United's Premier League game. Pictures taken outside the stadium on Sunday showed considerable snowfall on the nearby roads. However, the club have now confirmed that the fixture will go ahead.

But aside from the issues on the roads, there's been much fun to be had by children on their last day of the Christmas holidays.

  • ITV reporter Jennifer Buck spent the morning in Buile Hill Park in Salford

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