Brits are waking up to travel chaos and tens of thousands to no power as strong winds and heavy snow wreck havoc on UK.
Birmingham Airport, who closed operations late last night, said its runway remains closed this morning but it has resumed processing passengers through security.
In a statement, the airport said: “Our teams are completing final snow clearance and safety checks on the airfield.
“Runway operations are still suspended at this time however passenger security processing has commenced.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause however the safety of our colleagues and customers is our number one priority. Passengers due to travel should contact their airline regarding the status of flights.”
East Midlands Airport has also warned of delays but has successfully reopened its runway.
(Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)
British Airways has also cancelled 25 departures and 27 arrivals scheduled to operate at London’s Heathrow airport today (January 9).
The National Grid has said it has been working hard throughout the night to restore power after almost 71,500 properties lost power across England and Wales.
In a post on X, National Grid said “Customers in the South West of England should be aware that we are currently aiming to restore supplies by 08:00.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Officials in the West Midlands have warned of the “worst snowfall in a decade” as parts of England and Wales prepare to be hit with 5-10cm of snow on Friday, and up to 15-25cm in some areas.
In a statement on Wednesday , Stoke-on-Trent City Council reassured residents it had not run out of grit after “misinformation” began to circulate.
It said: “We are now facing the worst snowfall we have faced in 10 years. The Met Office has predicted that we could have 3.5 inches of snow and temperatures as low as minus 4C on Thursday into Friday morning. As a result, we are carefully managing our resources and stock of salt.”
(Image: William Dax / SWNS)
The statement added: “Unfortunately, we have been made aware of some misinformation circulating regarding the council’s salt supplies and gritting operations. It simply isn’t true that we have run out of grit.”
Train Passengers in the West Midlands have also been urged to stay away and avoid rail travel this morning.
Network Rail confirmed that train services are “extremely limited” this morning and may remain that way until midday.
West Midlands Railway, who have suspended all services and confirmed no rail replacement road transport due to conditions, said: “We are unable to operate any services until the afternoon.”
London Northwestern Railway has also confirmed trains services have been suspended between Birmingham New Street and Liverpool Lime Street.
More than 250 schools are also set to remain closed on Friday (January 9), including more than 150 in Aberdeenshire, dozens in the Highlands and Aberdeen, and a number in Moray.
A total of 278 schools were closed on Thursday across northern Scotland , which is down from the 440 shut on Wednesday.
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