BRITS are facing more travel chaos today with a number of major airports closing their runways due to heavy snow.
The UK was buffeted with wintry weather overnight and many across the country will be waking up to the white stuff this morning after sub-zero temperatures hit.
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The coldest spot last night was Loch Glascarnoch in Scotland where the mercury fell to a bone-chilling -11C.
Now, Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport have closed a number of their runways due to snow.
It comes after Birmingham Airport suspended operations for several hours overnight “for snow clearing and safety reasons” but said it was on schedule for “business as usual” to start the morning.
The Manchester Airport team said it was experiencing “heavy snow” and that its teams are working hard to clear the runways “as quickly as possible”.
“The safety of our passengers is our top priority, and we appreciate your patience during this time,” the airport added.
“Please check with your airline for the latest flight information and allow extra travel time today.
“We will update you as soon as possible. Thank you.”
Liverpool John Lennon Airport remains open despite the runway closure.
But travellers are advised to contact their airlines for the latest flight information.
A rare amber health alert is already in place for all of England as officials fear the weather will place a strain on medical services.
Yellow weather warnings have also been upgraded to amber over fears rural communities will be cut off.
A Met Office amber warning for snow and ice is due to end at midday today.
Snow and freezing rain is still likely to affect transport while untreated surfaces risk slips and falls, according to the forecaster.
More sleet and snow is “likely” this morning with a spell of “freezing rain” following in its wake, meteorologists said.
Travel conditions are expected to be hazardous before milder air moves across all areas.
Much of the warning area is expected to see 3-7cm of snow, with 15-30cm on higher ground in Wales and the southern Pennines.
This warning applies to Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Powys, Shropshire, Staffs, Warwickshire and East Riding of Yorkshire.
The Met Office said that more widely across the country, many areas can expect to see 3-7cm of snowfall.
Bristol Airport reopened around 11pm on Saturday after an earlier closure but warned of delays on Sunday morning due to aircraft being out of position.
Birmingham and Bristol Airports as well as Belfast International Airport urged passengers to check with their airline.
Liverpool’s big Premier League clash with Manchester United on Sunday afternoon is under threat from the weather.
Severe snow hit Merseyside overnight placing the match in potential doubt, with the travel routes from Manchester also heavily affected.
Liverpool City Council’s Safety Advisory Group will hold a meeting on Sunday to determine whether or not the game can go ahead.
It would be Liverpool’s second postponed match this season after Storm Darragh caused the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park to be called off in December.
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