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The widely predicted snowfall hit the capital yesterday with residents preparing for days of travel chaos. |
Forecasters warned the snow could continue until Monday, with at least three inches falling, but it was expected to be heaviest yesterday.
The first flakes fell in the morning rush hour and several London schools closed early before expected travel disruption, while about 70 flights were cancelled at Heathrow.
The Met Office said the persistent falls yesterday would be followed by light snow showers today and patchy snowfall tomorrow and Monday.
Up to 2.5 inches fell yesterday, with west and north-west London faring worst.
Heathrow said cancellations were made primarily because of problems at other airports, and that it extended the length of time between flights for safety reasons.
A spokesman said: “Obviously the snow is affecting the whole country and it just means there’s a knock-on effect here.”
There were also delays and cancellations at London City Airport, where a spokesman said: “We have plans in place to deal with snow.”
Passengers travelling to Heathrow, London City and Gatwick were advised to check with the airport before setting out.
Across the country, shops were stripped of essential items as panic buyers stocked up in advance of a predicted 40 hours of snowfall. Shelves were left bare as families snapped up bread, milk and other basics following forecasts of blizzards and up to a foot of snow in some areas.
Parts of South Wales woke up to nearly eight inches of snow yesterday and there were frantic scenes at a Tesco store in the town of Aberdare, where hundreds of shoppers turned up after the Met Office issued a rare red warning for the area, meaning travel should be attempted only if truly necessary.
Amber warnings, for caution and planning before venturing out, were in place for the Midlands, North West, South West, Yorkshire and Humber, where up to 10 inches could fall.
A Met Office spokesman said: “In London there will be light snowfall all through today. Tomorrow will be generally dry but snow showers are still expected for the start of the day and further snowfall will be seen on Monday.”
With temperatures hovering around -1C, the snow was expected to lie until early next week, he said. London rail services saw cancellations, and some operators were running a reduced timetable. At least five schools in Enfield sent children home at midday and more were expecting to close their doors early.
