Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

UK weather: Snow and ice on the roads cause travel chaos nationwide as thousands left without power

Yellow warning issued for snow and ice 

Zamira Rahim
Saturday 02 February 2019 17:29 GMT
Comments
UK weather: The latest Met Office forecast

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Britain's big freeze will continue this weekend, with heavy snow likely to cause significant travel disruption.

Saturday night could be the coldest night of the winter so far, the Met Office warned, with temperatures likely to fall to -16C in Scotland.

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice remains in place for large parts of the UK.

Here is how we covered the day's events

Around 1,500 people, mostly in the Basingstoke area, have no power.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said that they had already restored power to 10,000 customers and were working to repair the faults. 

Engineers are struggling to access some of the affected areas due to snowdrifts blocking roads.

Zamira Rahim2 February 2019 11:12

Heavy snowfall overnight has felled more than 100 trees in Kent.

Drivers in the area should expect disruption on the roads today.

Zamira Rahim2 February 2019 11:23

The big freeze might be causing chaos but these animals enjoyed their first time playing in the snow.

Zamira Rahim2 February 2019 11:30

Driving conditions in Hampshire, particularly in Basingstoke, remain poor.

Heavy snowfall has caused road closures, delays and congestion in the area and anyone travelling is advised to check their routes before setting off. 

Zamira Rahim2 February 2019 11:40

Multiple drivers in Kent abandoned their cars overnight after ending up stuck in the snow.

This one was left on a road in Blue Bell Hill, near Maidstone.

Zamira Rahim2 February 2019 11:50

Humans aren't the only ones left stranded by the cold snap.

This swan was left struggling after a lake in Liverpool froze over.

Zamira Rahim2 February 2019 12:00

The Met Office has issued a fresh yellow weather warning for ice, from 4pm on Saturday to 11am on Sunday.

The warning applies mainly to southern parts of the UK, with icy stretches expected to become a hazard, especially on untreated roads and pavements.

Zamira Rahim2 February 2019 12:10

South Western Railway routes towards Southampton are blocked due to ice on the line.

Commuters should expect disruption until 1pm.

Zamira Rahim2 February 2019 12:20

Gritters are out in force across the country ahead of tonight, which is likely to be exceptionally cold.

This shot is of a gritter on a frosty Hampshire road.

Zamira Rahim2 February 2019 12:30

Stagecoach South says that it may suspend bus services around Basingstoke as road conditions in the area "remain treacherous".

Zamira Rahim2 February 2019 12:40

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in