Severe winter conditions have disrupted daily life across the UK, with substantial snowfall and freezing rain causing flight suspensions at major airports and making numerous primary roads in northern England impassable.
Rural areas face potential isolation on Sunday due to adverse weather conditions, particularly in elevated regions above 300 metres (985 feet), where snow accumulation could reach 40 centimetres (15 inches).
The National Grid has been addressing widespread power interruptions throughout the country. Their real-time monitoring system indicates electrical outages affecting Birmingham in central England, Bristol in the west, and Cardiff in Wales.
Whilst numerous sports events face cancellation, the significant Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United remains scheduled, pending a later assessment.
Operations at Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport were interrupted, requiring flight diversions. Birmingham Airport, after suspending services overnight, announced plans to resume normal operations on Sunday.
The transportation network faced significant challenges during a particularly busy period, as families concluded their Christmas and New Year holidays and university students commenced their return journeys.
Rail services experienced extensive cancellations, with National Rail indicating that disruptions would likely extend into the work week.
The Met Office predicts continued sleet and snow moving northward on Sunday, with the heaviest precipitation expected in northern England and southern Scotland. Southern regions will experience milder conditions following a period of freezing rain.
The forecast indicates persistent frost and ice patches early in the week, transitioning to clearer conditions with occasional wintry showers on Monday and Tuesday.
