‘First taste of winter’ causes travel disruption across UK as warnings are issued

Described as the “first taste of winter”, the snowfall caused train cancellations and road delays in some parts of the UK, following severe weather warnings.

The Met Office has issued three yellow warnings for snow and ice in the North, Midlands, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; He warned that vehicles may be stranded, there may be power outages and rural areas may experience power outages.

The yellow warning will be in effect for England until 11:00 a.m. and for Scotland until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has issued its first yellow cold weather health alert of the season; warning conditions can be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly.

The amber warning covers the east and north of England, the Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber; Yellow alerts for the South East, South West and London will come into effect at 8am on Tuesday and last until 6pm on Saturday.

National Rail has warned that the cold climate will affect several northern train routes until at least 2pm on Tuesday.

Mersey Rail has issued an alert warning passengers that due to the potential for roads to be covered in snow and ice, the first service on every line in north-west England will operate without customers to ensure conditions can be controlled.

National Highways also include the M1 in Leeds and Sheffield, the M56 in Manchester, junction 39 of the M6 ​​and junctions 21-23 of the M62. It has issued a severe yellow weather warning for snow as junctions are likely to see disruption.

Describing the conditions as “the first taste of winter”, the Met Office said that 5-10 cm of snow will be negative in England and the most affected region will be Derbyshire.

The Alzheimer’s Association has warned that cold weather can be “particularly challenging” for people with dementia.

“It can be difficult for a person with dementia to adjust to cooler temperatures and they may not always be able to express that they are cold or may not even realize it themselves,” the charity said.

The public is advised to check on loved ones, friends and neighbors living with the condition.

UKHSA’s Dr. Agostinho Sousa said: “This is the first yellow Cold Weather Health Alert of the season, but we can expect more as we get closer to winter and it is vital to check our friends, family and neighbors at risk are well prepared for the onset of cold weather.

“Especially if they are elderly or otherwise at risk.”

Age UK director Caroline Abrahams said the charity was concerned that the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment would cause many older people “extra fear” about turning on their heating this winter.

“With high energy bills and food prices, it’s understandable that some may feel they need to cut back on food and turn off their heating systems, but exposure to cold weather for long periods can have a serious impact on an elderly person’s health, especially as we try to manage existing illnesses,” he said.

“Cold increases blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart attack or stroke, and breathing cold air can also increase the risk and impact of serious diseases such as flu and pneumonia.”

Ms Abrahams said it was “vital” for older people to stay “fit, warm and well if possible” throughout the day by eating hot food and drink, dressing warmly and sleeping with the windows closed.

Another charity, Asthma + Lung UK, urged those living with lung problems to be “extra careful”.

The charity warned that cold weather could trigger potentially life-threatening asthma attacks or “flare-ups” in people with other lung conditions.

Erika Radford, head of health consultancy at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “Your risk of going to A&E in winter doubles if you have a lung condition.

“We’re here to help you stay well, but every day people with lung conditions suffer needlessly and more lives will be put at risk unless urgent action is taken.”