Red Weather Warnings remain in place in Ireland and the UK, March 1, due to ongoing severe winter weather, which has caused significant disruption to overland and air transportation in recent days. Police in both countries have advised motorists to stay off the roads due to the increased likelihood of weather-related accidents. The impact of the weather system that has hit the British Isles in recent days is being exacerbated by Storm Emma, which has moved up from the south and is forecast to bring further snow and strong winds in the coming days. The UK has warned that the current cold spell could last until March 12. Ground and air transport disruptions are possible in affected areas; some rural locations could be cut off due to snow-blocked roads.
As of 1600 March 1, the following warnings have been issued:
Ireland:
Until 0600 March 2: A Red Snow-Ice Warning is in effect in Connacht, Cavan, Donegal, and Monaghan. Heavy snow could lead to large accumulations, particularly in hilly areas.
Until 1200 March 2: A Red Snow-Ice Warning is in effect in Leinster and Munster. Blizzards are likely, particularly in southern and eastern coastal areas.
UK:
Until 1800 March 1: An Amber Snow Warning is in effect for Northern Ireland. Snowfall accumulations of between 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) are likely, with high winds leading to significant drifting.
1500 March 1-0200 March 2: A Red Wind and Snow Warning will be in effect for South West England and Wales. Snowfall accumulations of between 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) are likely, with accumulations reaching as much as 30-50 cm (12-20 inches) in hilly areas of Dartmoor, Exmoor, and southeast Wales.
Until 0800 March 2: An Amber Wind and Snow Warning is in effect for London, South East England, South West England, Wales, and West Midlands. Snowfall accumulations of between 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) are likely, with accumulations reaching as much as 50 cm (20 inches) in some areas.
Until 1000 March 2: An Amber Snow Warning is in effect for North East England, North West England, Scotland, and Yorkshire and Humber. Snowfall accumulations of between 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) are likely, with accumulations reaching as much as 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) in some areas.
Yellow weather warnings have been issued for elsewhere in the UK for the coming days.
In Ireland, the weather has led to significant disruption on the M1, M50, and N3 motorways in and around Dublin. In the UK, rescue workers are working to free around 1,000 vehicles that were stranded on the M80 motorway overnight Feb. 28-March 1. Significant road transport disruption is ongoing in Lincolnshire, East England, and on the M62 in North West England. Additional road closures are possible in areas of high snowfall. Icing on roads and poor visibility could also lead to traffic collisions and associated delays. Strong winds will also present an additional hazard to high-profile vehicles in exposed areas.
Snowfall and high winds are likely to continue to affect flight operations. Flights operating out of Dublin (DUB) and Cork (ORK) airports have been suspended until at least March 3. All Ryanair (FR) flights from Shannon (SNN) airport have reportedly been canceled for March 2. Flights to and from Glasgow Airport (GLA) are currently suspended until at least March 2; significant flight cancellations have taken place at Edinburgh (EDI) March 1 after the facility was closed earlier in the day. London (LCY, LHR, LGW), Belfast (BFS), and Cardiff (CWL) airports have canceled dozens of flights March 1. Further major flight disruptions are likely March 2, and regional flights could also be canceled at Aberdeen (ABZ), Birmingham (BHX), and Manchester (MAN) airports. Residual flight disruptions are likely even after services normalize, as airlines work to clear the passenger backlog and reposition aircraft.
Trains could operate at reduced speeds in some areas. Irish Rail services are currently suspended until at least 1200 March 2.
Further assistance
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