Britain Struggles Through Real Winter Beginnings
Tiffany PhillipsThe festive season is turning into a nightmare for several in the UK as the country is being hit with some of the worst snow in many years. More snow fell today as well icy conditions were experienced a various locations causing mayhem and confusion, in particular for motorists who had to find the last remaining hint of patience in themselves.
Disruptions at rail stations as well as at airports were common, although the Eurostar did resume with limited service following last weekend chaos between the two coasts of the Channel. The rail company had claimed that melting ice and snow stuck under the rolling stock had been creating electrical problems.
But dozens flights at London’s Heathrow airport were cancelled, and delays were seen at Manchester International airport. Meanwhile, Gatwick airport was aloud to resume with quasi normal activity. Staff at the facility have been working overtime to clear a backlog which had accumulated during the past day, after reactivating the runway last night.
Other British airports such as Luton, Aberdeen, and Southampton were also attempting to bring their respective facilities to par although they have had to warn passengers that delays were still to be expected.
Travellers using the train in Surrey, Wales, Hampshire, Kent and Lancashire have been experiencing major disruptions.
On the highways, it’s been reported that thousands of British motorists were stuck in their vehicles during the night and several cars were spotted abandoned on the side of major roads following the huge snow falls.
Dipping temperatures overnight have made dangerous and icy surfaces of the previous snowfalls.
The MET has cautioned motorists especially in England and Wales that roads were dangerously icy and that more snow was to be expected in the southern portion of the country.
Other reports have claimed that Basingstoke commuters have returned to their vehicles this morning after abandoning them the previous night after snowy and icy conditions simply caused too much havoc.
Also, it’s been reported that thousands of motorist became trapped on Hampshire roads last night and that many spent the night in their cars.
Weather experts have forecasted a Christmas Eve for at least the South of England, although more cold is expected elsewhere for the remainder of the week.
This week’s extreme wintery conditions have exposed a severe shortcoming in the UK’s infrastructure. Unlike Canada, where thousands of specialised rolling equipment is on standby the moment a snow storm is announced, the UK, which rarely experiences the same level of Nordic conditions, is very poorly prepared in comparison for real winter experiences.
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Filed under Health & Environment, Travel News, UK News