UK weather news – latest: Coldest night brings heavy snow as thousands still without electricity

Temperatures dropped to as low as -10C last night following forecasts of the “coldest night of the season” for parts of the UK bringing snow and leaving some without power as Storm Arwen continued to batter the UK.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings of severe ice across large swathes of England including Newcastle, Manchester, London and Cardiff following freezing temperatures through the night.

North West Motorway Police said 120 lorries became “stuck in the snow” on the M62.

Northern Powergrid, which supplies energy to the northeast, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, said 240,000 customers lost service but on Sunday supply had been restored to 200,000.

Electricity North West, which provides energy for an area between the Scottish border and Stockport, said 67,000 of 83,000 customers who lost power had seen their supply restored.

Heavy snow led to lorries getting stuck and ploughs being used in a number of areas, with pub staff and Oasis tribute band Noasis stranded since Friday in the Tan Hill Inn in the Yorkshire Dales as a result of heavy snowfall.

Read More

UK weather: ‘Coldest night of season’ forecast as thousands still without power after Storm Arwen

Storm Arwen: ‘Renowned’ and ‘dedicated’ headteacher among victims of falling trees during severe weather

Storm Arwen: Three dead after 100mph winds and heavy snow hit UK

Key Points

• Met Office issues yellow ice warnings across the UK

• Thousands still without power after Storm Arwen

• Customers trapped in Yorkshire Dales pub for third night

Welcome

07:31 , Thomas Kingsley

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live blog covering the latest in UK weather as the nation battles snow and ice following the “coldest night of the season.”

‘Coldest night of season’ forecast as thousands still without power after Storm Arwen

07:45 , Thomas Kingsley

Amid the damage and disruption of Storm Arwen which has left three dead, forecasters warned that last night was the “coldest night” of the Autumn season with temperatures reaching as cold as -10C in some parts of the UK.

The Met Office said it expected to see the mercury fall below zero in many parts of the country, including in cities such as London, where it was forecast to be as cold as -2C in the late hours of Sunday.

Our reporters Grace Almond and Tom Batchelor have the full story below:

‘Coldest night’ forecast as thousands still without power after Storm Arwen

Met Office issues yellow ice warnings across the UK

08:05 , Thomas Kingsley

The Met Office issued multiple yellow ice warnings covering eastern parts of Scotland and stretching from the north east of England down to the south coast including London

The warnings, set to last until Monday morning, say people should expect to see “icy patches” on roads and pavements, meaning accidents and slips and falls are “more likely”.

Storm Arwen: Thousands still without power

08:20 , Thomas Kingsley

Thousands of people across the UK are spending their third night without power amid disruption caused by Storm Arwen. The storm, which has left three dead, has seen gusts of up to 100mph.

Nearly 40,000 customers were still without electricity in Scotland on Sunday, with large numbers also affected in England and Wales.

SP Energy Networks - which covers central and southern Scotland - said 6,000 customers were still affected mainly in Dumfries, Fife, the Lothian and the Borders. The company also had 5,000 customers without power in England and Wales.

In its most recent update Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) - which covers the north of Scotland - said about 32,000 customers were still without supply.

SSEN’s director of customer operations Mark Rough called the incident “one of the most significant weather events we have experienced in decades”.

Companies working ‘through the night’ to restore electricity hit by Storm Arwen

08:36 , Thomas Kingsley

SP Energy Networks which covers electricity supplies across central and southern Scotland said it’s been working through the night to restore energy to 6,000 customers.

The supplier shared images on Twitter of damaged utility poles hit by fallen trees amid Storm Arwen.

“We know there are still customers without supply, and our teams are working through the night to get as many back on as possible,” SP Energy Networks wrote

Storm Arwen traps customers in Yorkshire Dales’ Tan Hill Inn for third night

08:50 , Thomas Kingsley

Staff at a pub cut off by snow were preparing a karaoke evening on Sunday as they expect guests to be unable to escape for a third night.

More than 60 people have spent two nights camped out at Britain’s highest pub due to heavy snowfall brought on by Storm Arwen.

Customers first became stranded at the Tan Hill Inn, in the Yorkshire Dales, on Friday night after going to watch an Oasis tribute band called Noasis. Those staying at the inn, which is 1,732ft above sea level, woke up to around 3ft of snow.

Due to a fallen power line and snow blocking the main routes out, they have been unable to leave since.

Our reporter Sam Hancock has the full story below:

Storm Arwen traps customers in Britain’s highest pub for third night

UK 5 day weather forecast

09:10 , Thomas Kingsley

According to the Met Office today will see a cold start with some icy stretches and fog patches with cloud and rain in northwest, with a little snow on the leading edge over Scotland, moving south along with strengthening winds.

Tonight is forecasted to be mostly cloudy and milder than recent nights with light rain at times for many. Rain most persistent in the northwest. Perhaps an early frost in the southeast before becoming milder.

Tuesday is forecasted to be cloudy with some strong winds and rain, this becoming heavier and more widespread during the afternoon in the north, then moving southeast. Much milder than recently, particularly in the south.

It’s forecasted that rain will begin clearing from early Wednesday with blustery showers across eastern areas on Thursday. Friday will then see the return of snow across the north.

‘Renowned’ and ‘dedicated’ headteacher among victims of falling trees during severe weather

09:25 , Thomas Kingsley

Tributes have been paid to Francis Lagan, a “renowned educationalist and civic leader” who was one of three people in the UK killed by falling trees during the high winds brought by Storm Arwen.

The community in South Derry was said to be “stunned” by the sudden loss of Mr Lagan, who worked as the principal of St Mary’s Primary School in Maghera.

He was killed when a tree struck his car while travelling along the Dublin Road in County Antrim with his wife and two of their children on Friday.

Our reporter Andy Gregory has the full story below:

Tributes paid to ‘renowned’ headteacher killed by falling tree in Storm Arwen

Will there be a white Christmas this year?

09:46 , Thomas Kingsley

As Britons braved snowy weather and freezing temperatures this weekend, the prospect of a white Christmas has begun to excite many.

However, it is too soon to begin making predictions with any confidence but, interestingly, The Mirror reports that uncertainty currently reigns to such an extent that the Met Office and the BBC are said to be “at war” over the issue, so opposing are their respective forecasts.

While the former is predicting months of only mild weather ahead “consistent with a warming climate”, the latter, which takes its information from private contractor Data Transmission Network, says the UK is about to be hit by a deep freeze.

Our reporter Joe Sommerlad has the full story:

Will there be a White Christmas in 2021?

Waze to alert UK drivers of road disruptions amid Storm Arwen damage

10:03 , Thomas Kingsley

The live sat-nav app Waze will be reflecting weather disruptions on UK roads on its live map.

Through push notifications, it is encouraging its users to report hazards caused by the bad weather when using the app to help keep fellow drivers aware of what may be ahead of them.

Ruairidh Roberts, UK Country Manager at Waze, commented: "As parts of the UK have faced the effects of the arctic plunge and Storm Arwen, we urge motorists making essential journeys to be extra diligent.”

“At Waze, we are expecting delays around the country as the turbulent weather causes chaos on British roads. As a result, we’ve sent out push notifications to our app users, encouraging them to report hazards caused by the bad weather, helping to keep fellow drivers safe and aware of what may be ahead of them on the roads.”

‘Arctic shot’ behind plunging temperatures

10:24 , Thomas Kingsley

Britons experienced the “coldest night of the season” last night with temperatures as low as -10C in some parts of the UK as a result of an “Arctic shot” hitting the nation.

Met Office forecaster Tom Morgan said: “As Storm Arwen is clearing out to Europe, a cold northerly flow of wind has been left behind in the UK, causing some of the bitterly cold temperatures we’ve seen.

“There is set to be further wintry weather on Sunday, with snow expected to fall across areas in Scotland and northern England, and even in parts of southern and central England.”

Mr Morgan described the cold blast as an “arctic shot”, adding: “Parts of Scotland and northern England, where snow is on the ground, will be very cold again tonight, with the temperature certainly falling below zero and even as low as -10C, which would make it the coldest night of the season so far.

Our reporter Grace Almond has the full story below:

Temperatures could plunge below zero as ‘Arctic shot’ batters UK

Gritters hit the streets amid yellow ice warning

10:51 , Thomas Kingsley

Gritters across the UK have taken to roads and pavements hit by ice as temperatures went below freezing last night

Gritters in Sheffield were out this morning where temperatures are still below zero.

Watch: Customers snowed in for third night in a row at Britain’s highest pub

11:05 , Thomas Kingsley

Harry Kane extends lovely gesture to fans who travelled 4,000 miles for match cancelled by snow

11:20 , Thomas Kingsley

A pair of Tottenham fans who travelled 31 hours from Dallas, Texas to watch Spurs take on Burnley were left disappointed after the game was abandoned due to snow.

“Dallas to London to Burnley (almost there) 31 hours - no sleep - fueled by coffee, cheese crackers and more coffee. Frigid temps and snow predicted for match day. The things we do when you love your club,” the fan wrote on Twitter.

However, after the match was cancelled, Tottenham captain Harry Kane responded to the pair offering them tickets to the next home match as his guest.

Coldest night of the season so far as temperatures plunge to minus 8.7C

11:45 , Thomas Kingsley

Parts of the UK had the coldest night of autumn so far with temperatures plummeting to below zero.

The Met Office said Shap in Cumbria north-west England recorded the lowest temperature of the season so far with minus 8.7C (16.34F). Bridlington in East Yorkshire meanwhile, recorded high levels of rainfall, with 14.6mm of rain overnight on Sunday. Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said that the second coldest night of the season had been on Saturday night.

Our reporter Isobel Frodsham has the full story below:

Coldest night of the season so far as temperatures plunge to minus 8.7C

Cold weather ‘worst in 45 years’ say Britons still without power

11:58 , Thomas Kingsley

Households in Longhorsley, Northumberland, suffered a blackout on Friday night at around 8pm and are still waiting for power to be restored. The situation has left elderly and vulnerable people battling the elements just to keep warm.

Harry Foster, 83, lives on his own and has breathing difficulties in the cold weather and said the conditions are the worst he has seen in 45 years. He has been using a camper van at the end of his drive to stay warm.

The retired teacher said: “It’s been three days now since we’ve had any power. I’m living in the van right now so I hope I’m okay for gas inside it. I do have a wood burner in the house and I’ve been keeping myself going.

“I’ve been running around trying to get logs which is tiring. My phone won’t work because there’s no signal and the phone in the house won’t work because there’s no power.

Additional reporting by PA

18 schools in Northumberland closed due to Storm Arwen damage

12:20 , Thomas Kingsley

Eighteen schools in Northumberland are closed today due to being left without water, heating or phone lines. Thousands of homes are still without power as electricity lines are disrupted from damage.

The A66 is closed both ways from A686 Carleton Avenue (Kemplay Bank Roundabout) to A1(M) J53 (Scotch Corner). The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for ice which is in place until 10am on Monday.

No trains will run between Newcastle and Edinburgh today.

National Rail said: “Following severe weather over the weekend, there are currently no trains running between Newcastle and Edinburgh.

“This section of the East Coast Main Line is currently closed and customers are advised not to travel on this part of the route.

“Network Rail is continually checking the line but there is yet a confirmed estimate as to when the line will reopen. Disruption is likely to continue throughout today.”

No trains between Newcastle and Edinburgh today

13:00 , Thomas Kingsley

Damage caused by Storm Arwen through the weekend has led to widespread travel disruption this morning. Network Rail has confirmed that there is no service between Newcastle and Edinburgh today.

Trains were also unable to run between Skipton and Carlisle due to the severe conditions.

Snow forecasted for another two weeks

13:24 , Thomas Kingsley

Snow across the UK is forecasted for another two weeks as the Arctic blast sweeping the nation continues plunge temperatures below freezing.

The Met Office also warned of a risk of "wintry showers and icy stretches". It added that over the next two weeks snow is possible at low-levels across northern England and Scotland for a time, before turning to rain away from high ground. Further south snow is likely confined to high ground.

Storm Arwen damage could result in £250 million bill, says insurance expert

13:40 , Thomas Kingsley

The repair bill from Storm Arwen could cost insurers more than £250 million, according to an expert.

Swathes of the UK have been hit by strong winds, sleet and snow.

Mohammad Khan, general insurance leader at PwC UK, said on Monday: “Insurance companies have been fielding a high volume of calls over the weekend and today on Storm Arwen.

“Most of the calls have been in relation to home and car damage - predominantly home, however, as is usual with a major storm; the claims from businesses take longer to be reported and to assess.

“Based on the breadth of Storm Arwen and the damage seen so far, we estimate the insurance losses could be between £250 million to £300 million.

“Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis last year both had high wind speed but also featured significant flood losses as well.”

Mr Khan added: “The majority of claims from storms like Arwen are damaged roofs, damaged outbuildings and damage caused by fallen trees and fences, as well as business losses due to loss of power, so we tend to see a lot of claims but not very many high-value claims.”

I’m a Celebrity 2021: Why has ITV cancelled Monday’s episode?

13:55 , Thomas Kingsley

I’m a Celebrity fans tuning in to ITV for tonight’s episode will be very disappointed.

On Friday (25 November), the first live show of this year’s series was cancelled for the first time ever as a “precautionary” measure due to Storm Arwen.

These measures were extended with ITV announcing that Saturday (26 November) and Sunday’s (28 November) episodes were also cancelled.

Our culture reporter Jacob Stolworthy has the full story below:

I’m a Celebrity disaster as ITV cancels Monday night’s episode

Storm Arwen ‘basically destroyed production’ says former I’m a Celebrity contestant

14:10 , Thomas Kingsley

A former contestant on I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! has suggested Monday night's show will not be taking place.

TV presenter Matthew Wright, who appeared on the ITV series in 2013, claimed extreme weather conditions had “basically destroyed the production” at Gwrych Castle in North Wales.

ITV has not confirmed nor denied whether tonight's show will take place.

Referring to his experience on the show, Wright told This Morning: “The net effect of it has been that it's basically destroyed the production.

“I don't know how much the viewers can imagine this but it's like, if you were, a sort of Glastonbury Festival.

“It's a huge village that's under canvas, where the editors are and so everything is filmed. Dozens of cameras. All of it has to be edited, whittled down and turned into a programme.”

As images of the damaged site appeared on screen, Wright added: “At the moment, as you can see, no one can work under those conditions because they are really dangerous.”

ICYMI: I’m a Celebrity contestants removed from set due to Storm Arwen

14:30 , Thomas Kingsley

The disruption of Storm Arwen has even led to TV production delays as contestants of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here were forced to leave the set in Wales.

“While we get the production base back up and running after suffering technical issues due to the storm, we have removed the celebrities from the castle,” reads a statement issued by the broadcaster.

ITV added that the storm caused “significant damage” to the show’s production base in Wales.

The news follows after Friday’s episode (26 November) – the first live show of this year’s series – was cancelled as a “precautionary” measure due to Storm Arwen.

Our reporter Annabel Nugent has the full story below:

I’m A Celeb stars removed from castle after Storm Arwen causes ‘significant damage’

Pub owner nearly crushed by tree amid Storm Arwen

14:58 , Thomas Kingsley

A pub owner in from Bridgend in Wales had a near miss with nature when he was almost killed by a tree while outside smoking.

Cheryl Pound told Wales Online that a cigarette saved her life as stepped out to smoke on Saturday night before a tree came crashing down.

“As you can see in the footage, I went to walk out of the shelter and I don’t know why but something told me to step back. The next thing I knew the tree just came down,” she said.

More than 100,000 homes still without power after Storm Arwen

15:47 , Thomas Kingsley

More than 100,000 homes in the UK are still without power due to damage caused by Storm Arwen.

The Energy Networks Association (ENA) said about 155,000 properties were still suffering with power cuts on Monday afternoon, and described the destruction of electricity lines as the worst seen in Britain since 2005.

This comes as parts of the UK faced the coldest night of the autumn so far, including Shap in Cumbria, north-west England, which the Met Office said recorded the lowest temperature of the season so far at minus 8.7C (16.34F).

Since Storm Arwen battered the UK over the weekend, some 870,000 homes have had their power restored by engineers, the ENA said.

A spokesperson said: “Thousands of engineers are working to restore power to customers as quickly and safely as possible. In addition, and where safe to do so, energy networks are also deploying helicopters and drones to identify and assess damage.

“Engineers are continuing to uncover snapped electricity poles, downed wires and other complex faults. In some areas of the country the damage is some of the worst seen since 2005. Snowfall in some areas is making access very difficult.”

Additional reporting by PA

Coverage closing for today

16:05 , Thomas Kingsley

Thank you for following our live UK weather updates - our coverage has now ended for today.