Airports suspend flights due to snowy conditions
Manchester Airport has suspended flights this morning after the weather conditions worsened.
The airport worked overnight to keep the runways open but took the decision to close them this morning following more heavy snow.
The latest travel update from @manairport. pic.twitter.com/avO3pdA3Jx
— Manchester Airport (@manairport) January 30, 2019
The closure is expected to be temporary, but passengers are being warned to expect delays.
Liverpool Airport has also closed to flights.
Due to snow, the runway is temporarily closed- the airport is open. Visit https://t.co/nR6WTNGrIP or contact your airline for flight info
— Liverpool Airport (@LPL_Airport) January 30, 2019
Elsewhere in the region scores of schools and colleges have been closed for the day and there has been disruption on the roads and public transport.
**** ADVERSE WEATHER ALERT **** All Stagecoach Manchester services are experiencing severe disruption with delays averaging 90 minutes, our staff are working tirelessly to get services moving . Please see our adverse weather link. https://t.co/eSj8iVC8Jg
— Stagecoach GM (@StagecoachGM) January 30, 2019
Highways England tweeted: “Take extra care driving in the North West this morning as there are some challenging weather conditions with Met Office warnings for snow.
“Our winter vehicles are out treating road surfaces so please give them plenty of room.”
There are delays on the motorways according to the authorities around the Greater Manchester area.
#M6 J27 – J25 towards #Wigan. Delays of 1 hour currently due to snow this morning. Be aware if merging from the #M58 eastbound. Work to open nearside lane continues. 2 lanes open to south traffic.
— Highways England (@HighwaysNWEST) January 30, 2019
The M6 has been badly affected in the Wigan area between junction 27 and 25 with delays of up to an hour. There are also problems on the M60 and M62.
Flooding J27 M60 CW lane 2 and 3 closed
— North West Motorway Police (@NWmwaypolice) January 30, 2019
There are also serious problems in the Metrolink on the line to Manchester Airport.
We are currently experiencing severe delays on the Airport line due to heavy traffic congestion. Tickets being accepted on 19, 43, 101, 102, 103 buses. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
— Manchester Metrolink (@MCRMetrolink) January 30, 2019
North West Ambulance Service say ambulances are not able to travel as quickly due to the conditions.
NWAS director of operations Ged Blezard said: “As with all road users, in the current snowy conditions, our ambulances are not able to travel as quickly as usual and so we would ask the public to please be patient if calling 999 – we will reach you as quickly and safely as we can.
“Our phone lines are very busy and we must prioritise those who are seriously ill or have life-threatening conditions. For non-urgent conditions, please use 111 online or call 111 for advice.
“Thankfully, we are not having any major problems in terms of staff reaching stations to start their shifts, however, we have asked mountain rescue teams across the region to be on standby and non frontline clinical staff will also be responding to emergency calls.
“Driving conditions are treacherous so please do take care, keep speeds low and a good distance between you and the vehicle in front. Pavements and pathways are also very slippery so unless your journey is absolutely necessary, we would advise people, particularly the elderly, to stay indoors and keep warm.”
