Warnings issued on Tuesday for snow and ice in the Midlands, north Wales, north-west of England, north and west of Scotland and Northern Ireland remain in place
Good morning and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the UK’s freezing weather.
A fresh weather warning is set to come into force as it is revealed that 300 properties have flooded across England since New Year’s Eve, reports the PA news agency.
Dozens of people have been rescued by firefighters across Leicestershire since Monday, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said. Homeowners on Belton Road in Loughborough were stranded on the first floor of their semi-detached houses on Tuesday after rising water from the nearby Grand Union canal flooded the street.
Patients have been urged to attend A&E alone as NHS hospitals grapple with high demand amid rising flu cases. Several NHS trusts declared critical incidents due to “exceptionally high demands” in emergency departments.
Hundreds of schools were closed across the UK on Tuesday, with road and rail links blocked. Manchester, Bristol and Liverpool John Lennon airports were forced to suspend flights because of the conditions.
The RAC said Monday was the busiest day for breakdowns this winter. Rod Dennis, RAC spokesperson said: “Anyone unfortunate enough to break down should expect a longer wait than normal this week. It’s therefore more important than ever that drivers ensure they have an emergency breakdown kit in the boot.”
