UK weather: New warnings issued as 1,500 properties still without power

Around 1,500 homes and businesses are still without power after heavy snow caused major power cuts in Cumbria.

It came as much of the country was hit by cold and wet conditions over the weekend, including a low of -12.5C recorded in northern Scotland overnight.

Freezing conditions are forecast to continue on Monday and the Met Office has issued new yellow weather warnings for snow, ice and rain.

Cumbria was one of the worst affected regions over the weekend, with up to 30cm of snow falling in places.

Officials declared a major incident in the county on Saturday and advised people not to travel unless necessary.

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Dozens of motorists in the Lake District were forced to abandon their cars overnight. Many were forced to seek refuge in local community centres, primary schools and a church.

Electricity North West said its engineers had been “battling treacherous conditions” throughout the weekend and were still working on restoring supplies on Sunday evening.

Another 7,500 homes and businesses have been reconnected after earlier being hit by power cuts.

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The weather also caused disruption to travel, including at East Midlands Airport, which was forced to temporarily close its runway on Sunday.

It came after some flights were cancelled at Glasgow Airport and London Stansted Airport on Saturday.

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The Met Office’s new weather warnings include alerts for ice across much of northern England and parts of the Midlands, as well as snow for higher areas of Wales and the Peak District.

The weather agency said there was a risk that snow will lead to major travel disruption and there could be “accumulations of 2cm to 5cm on some roads above around 150m, and perhaps 10cm to 15cm on roads above around 350m”.

The warning runs from Sunday evening until 12pm on Monday.

The Met Office also issued a yellow weather warning for rain across parts of southern Wales and southwest England, with the alert due to come into force from midnight and run until 6pm on Monday.

Forecasters said there was a risk of flooding to some homes and businesses, as well as potential disruption to train and bus services.

The RAC warned northern parts of the country were facing an “ice rink on Monday as snow refreezes overnight” and advised motorists to take care.

Spokesperson Simon Williams said: “We’re expecting some very treacherous icy conditions in northern parts, so those who have to drive should exercise great caution.

“If it’s possible to delay or even abandon journeys that may well be the best option.”

However, Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said the weather would likely become milder later in the week.

He added: “So there is an end in sight to the wintry weather.”