Snow has fallen over large parts of the UK this morning with warnings of major travel disruption.
The Met Office has two amber warnings in place for snow this morning, with warnings that up to 40cm could fall on higher ground.
It has affected roads overnight, with some major roads and sections of motorway closed. For a full list of roads affected, click here.
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This morning, police posted on X: “It has been snowing hard around the Northwest, be aware that the networks are open but road conditions are not good, if you have to travel take care of yourselves, remember to have emergency kit in your vehicles.”
And in Greater Manchester, the Bee Network posted: “An amber weather warning for snow and ice is in place until 12pm today [Sun 5 Jan] across Greater Manchester. If you’re making a journey, check before you travel to see if your route is impacted and take extra care when travelling.”
Snow on the M62 around junction 19, close to the M60 junction
National Highways warned up to 25cm of snow could hit roads in northern England. As well as snow, National Highways warned rain may initially fall on frozen ground and lead to ice with areas of high ground, including the Cotswolds and Peak District, most at risk.
A number of UK airports have also been hit. This morning, Manchester Airport has been shut for a number of hours due to heavy snowfall with major cancellations and delays.
Snow over the M62
The bad weather has also seen a number of motorways hit, with drivers warned to expect delays to their journeys. The M61 has two lanes shut due to snow around junction five, with lanes also shut on the M62 between junction 23 and 21 due to snow over the Saddleworth Moors.
Slip roads have also been shut around Lymm Interchange on the M6 throughout the morning. The Snake Pass and Woodhead Pass are also both shut.
The M61 has been affected by snow
In a severe weather alert, National Highways said: ” The snow will only settle on roads above 100m elevation and will tend to become confined to higher ground over time but the trans-Pennine routes will be hit badly, with as much as 10-20cm, perhaps 25cm, over the highest parts of the network (A66 Old Spittal, M62 Windy Hill, A628 Woodhead Pass).
“The snow will become light and patchy during the afternoon and through the evening, not adding much in terms of accumulation however, there will not be much thawing either and any lying snow will likely stay there for quite a few days.
Snow over Lymm Interchange on the M6
“National Highways, in conjunction with the Met Office, are strongly advising that travel is likely to be extended or even disrupted. Road users should heed messages on the overhead signs and listen for radio updates. Road users are advised to take extra care if travelling over the weekend.”