UK weather: Snow falls as far south as London after coldest night in nearly two years

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Patrick Grafton-Green22 January 2018

Snow has fallen as far south as London after freezing conditions swept across the UK on the coldest night in nearly two years.

The wintery showers had not been predicted in the capital but they arrived on Sunday much to the delight of Londoners.

The Met Office has issued a yellow "be aware" warning of snow and ice to cover much of Scotland, north Wales and England down to southern parts.

The warning, valid from 6am until 6pm, warned icy patches are likely on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths, while some disruption could be seen to journeys by road, bus and train on affected routes.

It comes after temperatures plummeted overnight, with a low of -13.5C (7.7F) recorded in the Highland village of Dalwhinnie, Scotland, while freezing temperatures were recorded as far south as Luton Airport.

The weather has also prompted a series of flood warnings to be issued across the UK.

Homes have been evacuated and roads are blocked in north Devon after "widespread flooding" sparked by heavy rain, police said.

People were forced to flee homes in Kentisbury, near Barnstaple, and other properties have been flooded in Combe Martin on nearby Exmoor, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

People walk during a snowfall at Alexandra Palace, London
PA

The A399 at Combe Martin was closed following a landslide reported at 10.35am with a police spokesman saying part of the carriageway has collapsed.

The A361 is also closed near Landkey in Barnstaple and mudslides have been reported at Muddiford, north of Barnstaple, the force said.

A person drives a vehicle in snowy conditions in Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park
PA

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman urged people not to travel in the area.

He said: "We are dealing with a number of reports of flooded roads and properties in north Devon.

"Emergency services, alongside Highways teams, are busy dealing with incidents as they arise but the public should be aware of continuing disruption today with ongoing bad weather in the area.

"Conditions are expected to worsen in early to mid-afternoon due to continuing heavy rainfall.”

Cross country runners set off through heavy snow around Peebles in the Scottish Borders
PA

The Environment Agency has issued the alerts for the River Bray from Challacombe to Meethe, including Brayford and Clapworthy and the River Mole from South Molton to Newnham Bridge, including Alswear.

Other parts of the country, including areas in Somerset, experienced localised flooding.

Traffic Scotland urged drivers to check their routes before setting off and to ensure they were carrying emergency supplies in case they get stuck.

Glasgow Airport was temporarily closed on Sunday so the runway could be cleared following heavy snow.

A woman walks a dog during snow fall in Buxton, Derbyshire
REUTERS

North Wales Police also warned of poor conditions on the roads due to snow and ice, particularly on routes in Snowdonia.

The M4 motorway has closed near Bridgend after an accident in difficult conditions, South Wales Police said.

It happened on the westbound carriageway between junctions 35 and 36 but there were no reported injuries.

A force spokesman said: "Road conditions are particularly hazardous with spray and standing water on the road.

"Motorists are urged to amend their speeds accordingly and avoid travelling if at all possible."

Saturday night saw the coldest temperature recorded in the UK since February 14, 2016, when minus 14.1C (6.6F) was recorded at Braemar.

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