Heavy snowfall overnight caused disruptions in air transport and on the roads of Britain, where the cold start to the new year continues, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
Two yellow warnings were issued by the meteorological service in England and Wales, with a cover of 3 cm to 7 cm of snow expected in most of these areas, which will at times be mixed with rain in lower-lying areas. A snow and freezing rain warning, which will cover much of Wales and central England as far as Manchester, is in place until midday today.
Meteorologists say 15cm to 30cm of snow could fall across the highlands of Wales and the southern Pennines, but milder air will see the snow melt rapidly in the south by the end of the day.
A second yellow snow warning, which covers much of northern England, including Leeds, Sheffield and the Lake District, is in place until midnight today. The Met Office said some areas of the countryside above 300m could be cut off by up to 40cm of snow before conditions improve later tonight.
Birmingham airport closed for several hours last night "for safety and snow clearance reasons" but said it would reopen "as planned" in the morning. Bristol airport, which was closed earlier on Sunday, reopened at around 11pm last night but there are warnings of flight delays this morning. Both airports, as well as Belfast International Airport, have urged travellers to contact their airlines before travelling.
The Roads Authority has warned that up to 25cm of snow could accumulate on roads in northern England. In addition to snow, the service warns that initially rain may fall on the frozen ground, which could lead to icing in some areas at higher altitudes.