A weather warning for snow has been issued for London as the UK is set to see temperatures plunge to as low as -20C this week.
The Met Office has said up to two inches of snow could fall in the south of England on Wednesday, including the capital.
Weather warnings for snow and ice are also in place in Northern Ireland and western and northern Scotland until noon on Wednesday.
The cold snap is set to continue until the end of this week, with amber health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency in place across England until midday on Sunday.
The bad weather has continued to cause travel chaos on Tuesday, with Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Aberdeen Airport both closed in the morning due to the snow.
And there are still hundreds of flood alerts and warnings across the country thanks to rain and melting snow. As of Tuesday lunchtime, the Environment Agency had one danger-to-life flood warning, 133 flood warnings and 217 flood alerts in place across England.
Key Points
- Coldest night expected to fall way below sub-zero
- Met Office weather warnings for Tuesday and Wednesday
- Large-scale evacuation with River Soar expected to burst banks
- Police say man who died in North Yorkshire river has been formally identified
- Desperate rescues as floodwaters rise across Kent, Sussex and Leicestershire
Frost and ice patches in Northern Ireland to affect morning commute
04:27
Namita Singh
A yellow warning for snow and ice came into effect across Northern Ireland at 3pm yesterday and is expected to remain in place until midday today.
Police have reported that several roads are impassable due to severe weather conditions, with numerous schools closing earlier because of heavy snowfall.
A widespread sharp frost and icy patches are anticipated overnight, potentially making this morning’s commute more challenging.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has advised drivers to exercise caution on icy roads across the region, while some bus services have also been disrupted.
More than 100 flood warnings in force
04:17
Namita Singh
At least 101 flood warnings are in force across England and more rain, sleet and snow are on the way, risking further disruption.
The Environment Agency has urged people to remain vigilant over the coming days as flood warnings are still in place and a mixture of melting snow and saturated catchments could lead to further disruption in parts of England.
Potential for more snow in the south on Wednesday
04:00
Jabed Ahmed
There is the potential for another frontal system to move in from the southwest on Wednesday, bringing further snow and ice. A Yellow Warning is currently in place to cover this.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Mike Silverstone, explained: “There is a chance of a further spell of rain, sleet and snow moving in from the southwest on Wednesday to affect some southern parts of the UK.”
“Whilst not all those in the warning area may be affected, it is possible that that 2-5 cm of snow may accumulate fairly widely. Whether this system will brush the south of the UK or miss us altogether still remains a little uncertain, but we’ll continue to assess this over the next day or two. Weather warnings may well be updated, so it’s important people stay up to date with the forecast.”
Floods minister thanks emergency services as 300 properties flooded
03:46
Namita Singh
At least 300 properties have flooded and 41,000 have been bolstered by flood protections across England since New Year’s Eve, according to estimates by the Environment Agency.
Snowmelt has brought further disruption to parts of England, particularly in the Midlands, following the heavy rainfall over the New Year. It saw significant river and surface water flooding across the North West of England and Yorkshire, the Environment Agency said.
Floods minister Emma Hardy said: “My sympathies go out to the people, businesses and communities impacted by the recent flooding across the country.
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the vital work that the Environment Agency and emergency services are doing to keep people safe. People must continue to follow their advice and sign up for flood warnings.”
UK to experience coldest nights of the year
03:19
Namita Singh
The coldest nights of the year are expected this week, with temperatures potentially reaching -14C tonight in the North East of England and Scotland.
The Met Office has forecast a further drop of 2C tomorrow, with temperatures expected to plunge to -16C in places.
Southern England braced for snow as wintry spell continues
03:02
Namita Singh
A fresh weather warning is set to come into force as it is revealed that 300 properties have flooded across England since New Year’s Eve.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow covering southern counties of England from 9am until midnight, which could prove disruptive.
Between two and five centimetres of snow could accumulate fairly widely and as much as 10cm over higher ground, with the warning stretching as far as south London.
Weather warnings issued on Tuesday for snow and ice covering the Midlands, parts of North Wales, the North West of England, west and northern parts of Scotland as well as Northern Ireland remain in place until midday.
Some roads and railways are likely to be affected, and there could be icy patches on untreated roads, the forecaster said.
Environment Agency urge people to remain vigilant over the next few days
02:00
Jabed Ahmed
Stefan Laeger, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: “The recent heavy rain combined with melting snow means it is probable significant river flooding will continue in Leicestershire, with minor river flooding probable in some other parts of the country, continuing through to Thursday for some larger rivers.
“Environment Agency teams continue to be out on the ground, operating flood defences, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding, issuing flood warnings and supporting those communities affected.
“We urge people to remain vigilant over the next few days and advise anyone travelling to be especially careful, and urge people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through floodwater as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”
Caravan owner mourns damage as floodwaters rise
Tuesday 7 January 2025 23:59
Jabed Ahmed
Neil Monteith, 49, owns a caravan on the front row of the Proctors Pleasure Park, near Barrow upon Soar in Leicestershire, which was surrounded by flood water on Tuesday morning.
He said he no longer lives in the caravan but has “never seen” the flooding this bad before.
He said: “(The water) is the highest I’ve seen it, I’ve never seen it this bad before.”
Mr Monteith added that he only keeps furniture inside but said that it is “more than likely” damaged.
Ski season is here as snowboarders take to the fresh powder in Northumberland
Tuesday 7 January 2025 23:00
Jabed Ahmed
Flooding has been ‘challenging’, Leicestershire fire chief says
Tuesday 7 January 2025 22:00
Jabed Ahmed
Judi Beresford, Leicestershire’s assistant chief fire and rescue officer, said the demand on the service from flooding across the county has been “challenging”.
She said: “The pressure that we experienced yesterday from about five o’clock in the morning and well into the early hours of this morning was significant.
“It was very challenging but I’m really pleased to say that our crews handled themselves and the situation magnificently.
“The latest information that we have is that the water is still continuing to rise, particularly in relation to the rivers, but we would expect that to start to ease.
“Just because the weather is showing some signs of improvement at the moment, floodwater can still be incredibly dangerous, so I’d still just reinforce our messages to stay out of floodwater, to plan journeys ahead, and if people do need assistance and life is at risk, then please dial 999.”
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has responded to 380 calls and attended 56 flooding incidents since Monday morning.
Met Office weather warnings for Tuesday and Wednesday
Tuesday 7 January 2025 21:00
Jabed Ahmed
Full report: Homeowners trapped inside while ‘still recovering’ from flood a year ago
Tuesday 7 January 2025 20:29
Jabed Ahmed
Number of flu hospital admissions 3.6 times higher than last year, Northern Irish health minister says
Tuesday 7 January 2025 20:01
Jabed Ahmed
The number of people admitted to hospital with flu in Northern Ireland this winter is 3.6 times higher than the previous year, Stormont’s Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has said.
Mr Nesbitt told the Health Committee that patients facing long waits in hospital emergency departments were often having to “surrender their dignity and privacy” and said staff were facing “moral injury”.
The minister announced that the flu vaccination programme would be extended to all those over the age of 50.
Officials from the Department of Health said it has been the worst year for flu cases since before the pandemic, but added they believed the number of hospital admissions had peaked.
Mr Nesbitt attended the emergency meeting of his oversight committee amid ongoing concerns about winter pressures on health services in Northern Ireland, particularly the amount of time people are having to wait at emergency departments in hospitals.
Mr Nesbitt began his evidence by paying tribute to health and social care staff who had worked over Christmas.
The minister said he was “looking for levers short term” to deal with hospital pressures, as well as offering a “blank page” for next winter.
Snow mapped: Where freezing weather and flooding will hit UK with more snow forecast
Tuesday 7 January 2025 19:14
Jabed Ahmed
Woman visiting mother in Loughborough ‘trapped’ in home due to flooding
Tuesday 7 January 2025 18:50
Jabed Ahmed
A 25-year-old woman visiting her mother’s home in Belton Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, for Christmas said she did not expect to become “trapped” after the house was flooded on Tuesday.
Duaa Abdulal remains stuck with her mother and younger sister upstairs while the ground floor of the home is filled with water.
She said the house was destroyed by flooding from Storm Henk in January last year and the family have not finished refurbishing since then.
Ms Abdulal said: “We’re stuck upstairs. Last year my family managed to leave the building.
“Thankfully, today we managed to get everything upstairs when we got the flood warning.
“We’re still recovering from last year, actually, we haven’t finished refurbishing the house, so it’s stressful.”
Pictured: A snow-covered Manchester Airport
Tuesday 7 January 2025 18:21
Jabed Ahmed
Man whose housee was damaged by Storm Henk last year has home flooded again
Tuesday 7 January 2025 18:16
Jabed Ahmed
A man, who did not wish to be named, found his home flooded on Tuesday in Belton Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, from rising water in the nearby Grand Union Canal.
He said he has been living in alternative accommodation for a year since Storm Henk damaged his property last January and was just about to move back in before the flooding started again on Monday.
The homeowner told the PA News Agency, as he stood on the road near his house: “They had almost got everything ready to move back in – all new downstairs. Now, all the new stuff, the new items, have got to be repaired and replaced again.
“They will potentially tell us it’s all got to be scrapped.
“Last year everything downstairs – the carpets, flooring, furniture – all were damaged.
“In the space of a year, it’s just unbelievable that it’s happened again.
“I can’t comprehend this all, you never think it’s going to happen in this area.
“It’s the Grand Union canal – it seems like there’s a weak point that just sort of overflows and just all comes cascading down this way.”
RAC say Monday was the busiest day for breakdowns this winter
Tuesday 7 January 2025 17:47
Jabed Ahmed
Rod Dennis, RAC spokesperson, said: “Monday was our busiest day for breakdowns this winter so far, with our teams taking more calls from members than at any other point in the last 12 months. With cold conditions persisting, we expect today to be almost as busy with our patrols working incredibly hard to rescue our members and get people moving.
“Anyone unfortunate enough to break down should expect a longer wait than normal this week. It’s therefore more important than ever that drivers ensure they have an emergency breakdown kit in the boot – extra warm clothes including waterproofs, sturdy shoes, some food and drink and a fully charged power bank to keep a mobile phone charged up.
“With hundreds of flood warnings still in force, especially across central and southern parts of the UK, drivers need to remain vigilant. They should never drive through standing water unless they can be totally sure all of it is shallow, which can be impossible on roads that aren’t perfectly flat.
“If in any doubt about the water’s depth, turn around and find another safer route. We also urge everyone to obey road closures which are in place to keep them away from floodwater.”
People in Ireland warned of ‘invisible hazards’ amid Orange-level low temperature alerts
Tuesday 7 January 2025 17:14
Jabed Ahmed
People in Ireland are being urged to keep their guard up ahead of a Status Orange low temperature warning issued for most counties on Tuesday and Wednesday night.
Snow and sub-zero conditions have already caused hazardous driving conditions and cut power and water to thousands of homes, with crews from various agencies working to help stranded communities.
The worst-hit counties are Tipperary, Limerick, Cork and Kerry, where authorities have deployed additional supports to clear snow before sub-zero temperatures hit again.
An Orange alert is in place for most counties from 8pm on Tuesday until 10am on Wednesday, with severe frost, ice and snow forecast.
Another Orange low temperature warning is in place from 6pm on Wednesday until 11am on Thursday for 25 counties.
Separately, a Status Yellow low temperature warning remains in place for all counties until 6am on Friday.
Irish premier Simon Harris warned people to be aware of the “invisible hazards” as temperatures fall to as low as minus eight degrees overnight.
Mapped: How many flu cases are in my area as hospitals declare critical incidents?
Tuesday 7 January 2025 16:44
Jabed Ahmed
ICYMI: Ambulance service declares critical incident for first time ever
Tuesday 7 January 2025 16:14
Jabed Ahmed
A critical incident has been declared by East Midlands Ambulance (EMAS ) for the first time ever, after a combination of significant patient demand, pressure within local hospitals, and flooding across the East Midlands.
Declaring a critical incident means:
- Rapid release of ambulances from hospital departments. We appreciate this will be challenging for hospital colleagues however, we need to ensure we have emergency ambulances available to respond to people waiting in the community where life is at threat.
- From the morning, local NHS Clinical Hubs to take Category 3 calls (see additional notes) from EMAS and provide support and/or a local alternative NHS pathway for these patient. This allows EMAS to focus on responding to Category 1 (life-threatening) and Category 2 (serious) calls.
- All Category 3 calls (see additional information below) from NHS 111 receive a clinical validation from DHU Healthcare (the provider of 111 services) before it is sent for an ambulance.
London Ambulance Service issues advice as snow set to hit capital
Tuesday 7 January 2025 15:41
Sam Rkaina
More snow on its way with weather warnings in place for London on Wednesday ❄️
— London Ambulance Service (@Ldn_Ambulance) January 7, 2025
A reminder to take extra care if you're travelling. Follow @NHSuk and see our pinned post for tips on staying well during this cold weather https://t.co/a11eB1hHH8
Full report: Four major hospitals declare critical incidents over soaring flu cases as A&E patients face 50 hour waits
Tuesday 7 January 2025 15:14
Jabed Ahmed
My colleagues Rachel Clun and Alexander Butler report:
Mapped: Severe flood warning in Leicestershire
Tuesday 7 January 2025 14:49
Jabed Ahmed
Flooding around Barrow upon Soar ‘unprecedented’, resident says
Tuesday 7 January 2025 14:31
Jabed Ahmed
A woman, who lives near the Proctors Pleasure Park in Leicestershire, called the flooding around Barrow upon Soar “unprecedented”.
The woman, who did not wish to be named, told the PA news agency: “I’ve never seen it as bad as this. It flooded last January but not like this.
“They put in new flood defences – it used to flood all the time then it stopped, but this is unprecedented.
“It’s a flood plain, that’s what it’s for but they build houses on it and nobody will acknowledge it or accept it.”
Pictured: Homes in flood water after the Grand Union Canal burst its banks in Loughborough
Tuesday 7 January 2025 14:09
Jabed Ahmed
Met Office weather warnings for Tuesday and Wednesday
Tuesday 7 January 2025 13:47
Jabed Ahmed
Flooding has been ‘challenging’, Leicestershire fire chief says
Tuesday 7 January 2025 13:25
Jabed Ahmed
Judi Beresford, Leicestershire’s assistant chief fire and rescue officer, said the demand on the service from flooding across the county has been “challenging”.
She said: “The pressure that we experienced yesterday from about five o’clock in the morning and well into the early hours of this morning was significant.
“It was very challenging but I’m really pleased to say that our crews handled themselves and the situation magnificently.
“The latest information that we have is that the water is still continuing to rise, particularly in relation to the rivers, but we would expect that to start to ease.
“Just because the weather is showing some signs of improvement at the moment, floodwater can still be incredibly dangerous, so I’d still just reinforce our messages to stay out of floodwater, to plan journeys ahead, and if people do need assistance and life is at risk, then please dial 999.”
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has responded to 380 calls and attended 56 flooding incidents since Monday morning.
Ski season is here as snowboarders take to the fresh powder in Northumberland
Tuesday 7 January 2025 13:05
Barney Davis
Skiers and snowboarders were pictured taking to the slopes at Allenheads ski club in Northumberland after heavy snow fall.
Weather warnings for snow and ice are in force across much of the UK after severe flooding and snow caused travel disruption and school closures. But for some it was a rare opportunity to hit up the fresh powder.
Caravan owner mourns damage as floodwaters rise
Tuesday 7 January 2025 12:55
Barney Davis
Neil Monteith, 49, owns a caravan on the front row of the Proctors Pleasure Park, near Barrow upon Soar in Leicestershire, which was surrounded by flood water on Tuesday morning.
He said he no longer lives in the caravan but has “never seen” the flooding this bad before.
He said: “(The water) is the highest I’ve seen it, I’ve never seen it this bad before.”
Mr Monteith added that he only keeps furniture inside but said that it is “more than likely” damaged.
Coldest night expected to fall way below sub-zero
Tuesday 7 January 2025 12:45
Barney Davis
BBC Weather Watchers said they were expecting temperatures to plunge to between -16 to -20 C on Thursday night.
The last time the UK recorded a temperature that low was on 11 Feb 2021, when the temperature at Braemar in Aberdeenshire fell to -23 C.
Potential for more snow in the south on Wednesday
Tuesday 7 January 2025 12:20
Barney Davis
There is the potential for another frontal system to move in from the southwest on Wednesday, bringing further snow and ice. A Yellow Warning is currently in place to cover this.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Mike Silverstone, explained: “There is a chance of a further spell of rain, sleet and snow moving in from the southwest on Wednesday to affect some southern parts of the UK.”
“Whilst not all those in the warning area may be affected, it is possible that that 2-5 cm of snow may accumulate fairly widely. Whether this system will brush the south of the UK or miss us altogether still remains a little uncertain, but we’ll continue to assess this over the next day or two. Weather warnings may well be updated, so it’s important people stay up to date with the forecast.”
Man pictured being rescued from floodwater
Tuesday 7 January 2025 11:53
Barney Davis
People living at caravan parks near Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire, have been urged to act now, with a large-scale evacuation required to save lives after heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt amid the Environment Agency’s severe flood warning for the River Soar.
One man was rescued from a caravan in Proctors Park, Barrow upon Soar, on a raft on Tuesday morning.
And two people had to be rescued from flood water by firefighters in Leicester Road, Leicester, on Monday afternoon, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said.
Swans take over town as water rises sharply in Wateringbury
Tuesday 7 January 2025 11:46
Barney Davis
Flights resumed at Aberdeen airport as workers de-ice runway
Tuesday 7 January 2025 11:07
Barney Davis
Operations have now resumed at the airport.
— Aberdeen Airport ✈️ (@ABZ_Airport) January 7, 2025
We advise passengers to continue to check the status of the their flight with their airline and to take extra care when travelling to the airport.
Drone shots as Caravan park evacuated
Tuesday 7 January 2025 10:55
Barney Davis
An evacuation order was issued as the River Soar burst her banks and flooded a Caravan park in Barrow Upon Soar, England.
Watch: Daring mountain rescues in Scotland
Tuesday 7 January 2025 10:45
Barney Davis
A mountaineer who suffered a deep cut to their leg was rescued in the middle of a horrific snowstorm.
The Cairngorm MRT said on X: “Another rescue for a couple who had intended to camp near the Saddle but in deteriorating condition had raised an SOS text from their phone.
“After locating the couple and some rewarming they were walked out to safety through some to arduous underfoot conditions. All safe were 1.30am.”
CMRT were called out to two simultaneous rescues last night. The first was for a climber who had sustained a deep cut to their lower leg after catching it with their crampon. The climber was located on the West side of spot height 1141. pic.twitter.com/zXCkBTBgC3
— Cairngorm MRT (@cairngorm_mrt) January 7, 2025
Desperate rescues as floodwaters rise across Kent, Sussex and Leicestershire
Tuesday 7 January 2025 10:41
Barney Davis
Rare snowfall drifts over north west London
Tuesday 7 January 2025 10:14
Barney Davis
It's snowing in London for the second time this week.
— London Live (@LondonLive) January 7, 2025
These videos are in north west London.
Is it snowing where you are?#snow #snowfall pic.twitter.com/OOyxSCJdLG
Cold snap expected in Ireland
Tuesday 7 January 2025 10:06
Barney Davis
Ireland has upgraded its weather warning amid an “extremely cold” snap across the island.
Temperatures are expected to plummet to as low as minus 8C while a Status Orange low temperature and ice warning was announced for almost all of the Republic of Ireland.
Irish national weather agency Met Eireann said the advisory applies between 8pm on Tuesday and 10am on Wednesday, applying nationwide except for Donegal, Dublin, Louth and Wexford.
This will be followed by a further warning for every county except for Donegal between 6pm Wednesday and 11am Thursday.
It means that there will be extremely cold nights with widespread frost, ice and lying snow.
Yellow snow and ice warning issued over Northern Ireland
Tuesday 7 January 2025 09:46
Barney Davis
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning until midday on Wednesday covering Northern Ireland with snow and icy patches leading to some disruption to travel.
The forecaster warned there will be slippy patches with roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.
Ambulance service declares critical incident for first time ever
Tuesday 7 January 2025 09:28
Barney Davis
A critical incident has been declared by East Midlands Ambulance (EMAS ) for the first time ever, after a combination of significant patient demand, pressure within local hospitals, and flooding across the East Midlands.
Declaring a critical incident means:
- Rapid release of ambulances from hospital departments. We appreciate this will be challenging for hospital colleagues however, we need to ensure we have emergency ambulances available to respond to people waiting in the community where life is at threat.
- From the morning, local NHS Clinical Hubs to take Category 3 calls (see additional notes) from EMAS and provide support and/or a local alternative NHS pathway for these patient. This allows EMAS to focus on responding to Category 1 (life-threatening) and Category 2 (serious) calls.
- All Category 3 calls (see additional information below) from NHS 111 receive a clinical validation from DHU Healthcare (the provider of 111 services) before it is sent for an ambulance.
In pictures: Frosty Liverpool as John Lennon airport suspends flights
Tuesday 7 January 2025 09:23
Barney Davis
Aberdeen airport pauses flights as crew work to de-ice runway
Tuesday 7 January 2025 09:13
Barney Davis
Hundreds of passengers have had their flights cancelled or delayed due to ongoing issues at Aberdeen Airport.
A spokesman posted on X: “Our teams have been working throughout the night to clear snow and de-ice the airfield.
“Due to the ongoing freezing conditions it’s been necessary to pause operations. Flights will resume when it is safe to do so.”
John Lennon Airport in Liverpool postpones flights
Tuesday 7 January 2025 08:55
Barney Davis
Liverpool Airport remains closed for snow clearing.
— Liverpool John Lennon Airport (@LPL_Airport) January 7, 2025
Expected re-opening time remains 10.00hrs
Thanks for your continued patience. Next update at 09.30hrs. pic.twitter.com/8CNbPmv7FV
190 flood warnings and 292 alerts issued
Tuesday 7 January 2025 08:35
Barney Davis
At 8.10am on Tuesday, the Environment Agency has 190 flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected, and 292 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible, active across England.
National Resources Wales has 15 flood alerts in place.
Large-scale evacuation with River Soar expected to burst banks
Tuesday 7 January 2025 08:32
Barney Davis
The Environment Agency has a severe flood warning – indicating a “danger to life” – in place for the River Soar at caravan parks near Barrow upon Soar in Leicestershire.
It said: “This severe warning has been issued because large-scale evacuation is required.
“River levels are rising at the Pillings Lock river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt.
“Consequently, flooding of properties is expected to continue.
“Areas most at risk are Proctor’s Pleasure Park near Barrow upon Soar.”
It added: “Please follow advice from emergency services and call 999 if in immediate danger.”
Bristol Airport restores flights after weather disruption
Tuesday 7 January 2025 08:15
Barney Davis
Passenger announcement, all flights are now operating, for latest information please refer to your airline.
— Bristol Airport (@BristolAirport) January 7, 2025
