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After flooding and high winds over Christmas, it was the turn of snow showers to make life challenging in large parts of the UK on Monday.
Driving conditions in parts of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland were dangerous, and a police force asked people not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
The Met Office issued a yellow severe weather warning, saying that many road and rail trips will take longer and that sidewalks in many places are likely to be slippery.
Some high ground roads in Wales were blocked by snow on Monday morning and there were a number of road accidents in the North West of England.
Gloucestershire police said the snow was causing a nuisance and asked people to stay inside if they could.
“Heavy snow is starting to fall in rural areas of the county,” the force said. “This will cause delays on the roads.
Heavy snow is beginning to fall in rural areas of the county. This will cause delays on the roads. Only go out if it is essential. Make sure you plan your route and have everything you might need in an emergency, including a fully charged mobile phone.
– Glos Police (@Glos_Police) December 28, 2020
“Leave only if it is essential to do so. Make sure you plan your route and have everything you might need in an emergency, including a fully charged mobile phone.
“We are receiving a number of snow reports across the county causing disruptions, particularly in the Forest of Dean and the A417 around Birdlip. Stay safe and avoid all unnecessary travel. “
The severe yellow warning covered extensive areas of the North of England, the Midlands, London, parts of the South West and most of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
A race at Haydock Park in Merseyside to be held on Wednesday, billed as The Last Fling, has been abandoned after 10cm of snow fell on soggy ground after Christmas rains.
Abandoned Races – Wednesday, December 30.
Unfortunately, due to four inches of snow overnight and considerable rain on Boxing Day, the races were abandoned on Wednesday, December 30. pic.twitter.com/zLLxcRY4OL
– Haydock Park Races (@haydockraces) December 28, 2020
Many places where snow has fallen are still dealing with the aftermath of heavy rain and high winds. As of 10:30 am on Monday, there were almost 100 flood alerts (meaning floods are expected) and 163 flood alerts (floods are possible) in England.
In Northern Ireland winds of up to 60 mph and snow-covered parts of the Black Mountain overlooking Belfast were recorded.
In the Republic of Ireland, teams from utility provider ESB worked Monday to restore power to hundreds of homes and businesses that were left without power due to high winds. A wind advisory was maintained for several counties on the Atlantic coast.
There has been an advantage in the dramatic weather. Not only have snow lovers been able to dust the sleds and build snow people, but the gales have caused more than half of Britain’s electricity (50.67%) to come from wind power for the first time Saturday, according to the Drax power company.
The cold snap is likely to remain for the rest of the week with more snow, heavy frosts and some icy fog predicted by the Met Office.
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