Severe weather conditions cause travel chaos

airport-snow

Due to the severe weather conditions Manchester Airport closed this morning. 

A spokesperson from the airport said "A significant amount of snow has fallen overnight and continues to fall at the airport and across Greater Manchester. The forecasts show that the situation is unlikely to clear before 12pm so operations will remain suspended until then at Manchester Airport. We have taken this decision, as we want to ensure that safety is maintained on the airfield for our airlines and passengers."

"A further decision about snow clearance on the airfield will be taken at that time taking into account the Weather forecasts for the rest of the day. We encourage all passengers flying today to check with their airlines for the latest up-to-date information on their flight. Further updates will follow throughout the day."

Cheshire East council announced yesterday that only Priority 1 routes are now being gritted, which are the "A" roads and routes to Accident and Emergency departments.

More than 500 tonnes of grit has been used to treat roads in East Cheshire since December 31 2009. Deliveries of grit will continue this week, with some gritting vehicles loaded directly from the Winsford salt mine. Cheshire East have the option of loaning vehicles from West Cheshire should the conditions become more testing.

The A54 between Bosley and Buxton and the A537 between Macclesfield and Buxton both remain closed due to snow and ice.

A spokesperson from Cheshire East said “We would urge anyone who intends to make a journey by foot or car to do so only if absolutely necessary”.

Winter weather updates will be the placed in the forum and to keep up to date with the latest weather forecast from the Met Office visit our weather section which is currently showing light snow for the rest of the day in Alderley Edge.

Please do share any weather related news by using the comment box below and email your winter photos to [email protected].

Tags:
Manchester Airport, Snow
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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Lisa Reeves
Tuesday 5th January 2010 at 1:42 pm
Manchester Airport has reopened as of 1pm and arrivals have started to land at the airport.

A spokesperson for the airport said "The worst of the Weather appears to have now passed and our focus now is on clearing the runway and airfield of the remaining snow."

"We expect a slow departure rate as we try and deal with the backlog of flights from this morning. We encourage all passengers flying today to check with their airlines for the latest up-to-date information on their flight."