Brits face travel chaos as heavy rain and snow triggers flood warnings

6 January 2025, 08:35

Brits are facing travel chaos this morning as heavy rain and snow sparks triggers "extensive flooding" and yellow weather warnings for large parts of the UK.

Up to 65 flood warnings across England had been issued by the Environment Agency as of 6am on Monday, meaning flooding is expected in those areas.

At least 262 flood alerts remain in place, meaning flooding is possible.

The Met Office has issued up to seven yellow weather warning alerts as severe weather batters Britain.

It said that much of the north and west of the UK face an icy start to the morning, with further rain, sleet and snow expected in some areas.

Areas affected include the North East England, North West England, Yorkshire and Humber.

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Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, the West Midlands and northern Wales could also be impacted.Outbreaks of rain are expected across southern parts of Wales and central England with surface water flooding that “may lead to difficult travelling conditions”.

The East Midlands, North West England, Yorkshire and Humber, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, West Midlands and Wales, are bracing for heavy rain and thawing snow, leading to some flooding in some instances, until around 8am.

Stranded vehicles and power cuts are also expected under the warnings.

Parts of the M5, M50 and M1 have been closed due to flooding, heavy snow, with crashes and stranded vehicles left on the major roads.

National Highways said “extensive flooding” has also forced the M5 south to close near Gloucester. 

Rural parts of Britain also face being cut off, with up to an additional 15cm of snow fall, according to the Met Office.

Major airports have had their runways closed, including at Manchester and Liverpool airports, following heavy snow over the weekend and early Monday morning.

Leeds Bradford Airport also warned passengers on Sunday night that disruption from the weather is likely to persist into Monday.