Weather latest: Slow going as snow covers Leeds
LEEDS woke to a blanket of snow today causing rush hour misery and tailbacks for commuters.
A combination of snow and a series of minor accidents slowed traffic on the M62 and M621, and conditions were said to be “hazardous” on the cross-Pennine stretch of the M62.
There were also major delays to flights at Leeds Bradford Airport, which was temporarily closed.
Six centimetres of snow fell overnight at the airport, with gritters and ploughs being used this morning to clear runways and surrounding roads.
Pool Bank and the A658 Harrogate Road at Pool in Wharfedale were among the local roads hardest hit by the weather.
Difficult driving conditions were also reported around the Stile Hill roundhabout in Colton.
Bus firm First West Yorkshire said delays were likely through the morning rush hour across much of the county due to “slow and hazardous” conditions.
In Leeds, the number 6 was not serving Cookridge’s Tinshill estate while the 42 was bypassing Old Farnley. The number 14, meanwhile, was unable to reach Pudsey Fartown.
There were no immediate reports of schools being kept closed in the city.
Trains between Sheffield and London were affected by delays, but most early local services were running normally.
Highways England has issued an amber “be aware” alert for the North and Midlands in anticipation of the heavy rain turning to sleet and snow overnight.
They warned drivers to check the forecast before setting out and ensure they have a winter kit in their vehicles.
The wintry weather is expected to impact the M6 and A66 in the North West, and the A66, M62 and A628 in the Pennines.
The AA said it had experienced its busiest day of the year so far with more than 10,000 calls. Many drivers had flat batteries and other cold weather-related problems.
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