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Thousands of travellers hoping to reach home for Christmas have had to organise last minute alternatives, as flights, ferries and trains have been cancelled across the UK, while drivers face traffic chaos on motorways.
National Highways is reporting severe congestion on multiple roads across the country, including the M6, M5 and M25.
It said the M1 has now reopened although drivers were still warned of delays after emergency services were called to a van fire there on Monday morning.
More than 100 flights at Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport, were cancelled on Sunday. Dozens of ferry routes in Scotland and Ireland were not running due to the bad weather, while rail passengers faced chaos as Northern cancelled all trains on 11 routes.
Snow over the weekend also caused chaos on the M62, with one lane closed, as millions have taken to the country’s motorways ahead of Christmas.
More snow is expected towards the end of December, with the Met Office forecasting ice, sleet and snow is set to hit the north of the country and perhaps also central areas.
However, conditions are expected to improve this week after the widespread disruption caused by the “perfect storm” of adverse weather conditions and road congestion. The forecaster is currently predicting a “grey Christmas” with some sunny spells and “extremely mild” temperatures.
The airport luggage mistake which could cost you this Christmas
Holidaymakers flying ahead of 25 December will have checked their suitcase and probably packed it twice – but it’s best to leave the gift wrapping until you land.
Whether headed for a destination Christmas or visiting far-flung family, travellers may want to keep sentimental gifts close in their carry-on when taking off.
But, passengers are now being warned to ditch wrapping efforts before passing through security checks to avoid line delays and gift confiscations.
Natalie Wilson has more details in this report:
Andy Gregory24 December 2024 05:00
An acceptable level of travel cancellations? Discuss
Andy Gregory24 December 2024 04:00
Your guide to passengers’ rights if your flight is cancelled.
Andy Gregory24 December 2024 03:00
Which parts of Europe will see a White Christmas?
Andy Gregory24 December 2024 02:00
ICYMI: Plane crash lands in high winds at UK airport
A plane crash-landed in high winds at a Belfast airport as poor weather disrupted travel across the UK in the run-up to Christmas.
Belfast City Airport was forced to enact emergency procedures on Sunday after a plane’s nose wheel collapsed upon landing in adverse weather conditions. There were no reported injuries.
Andy Gregory24 December 2024 01:00
The remote island perfect for winter sun that you’ve probably never heard of
For anyone still eyeing up a sunny escape this winter, or those looking ahead to next, Sarah Marshall reports on one largely undiscovered destination akin to a Caribbean getaway, and whose sandy, unspoilt beaches are equally first class:
Andy Gregory24 December 2024 00:01
Everything to remember if you’re flying away this Christmas
Millions of passengers will travel through UK airports over the Christmas and New Year spell: being reunited with loved ones or making great escapes to warmer or snowier destinations.
Yet the last two weeks of December 2024 is shaping up to be the busiest festive season ever – and a series of obstacles stands between you and your destination.
Our travel correspondent Simon Calder details the seven key hurdles here:
Andy Gregory23 December 2024 23:01
Visual UK forecast shows weather expected on Christmas Eve
The Met Office has provided this visualisation of how weather conditions are expected to progress over the course of tomorrow:
Andy Gregory23 December 2024 22:00
What is the Met Office’s UK forecast?
This Evening and Tonight:
A rather cloudy and murky night for many, but turning damp with some patchy rain and drizzle, especially over hills in the west. A milder night for all, but windy in the north.
A mostly cloudy Christmas Eve, but some brightness developing to the east of high ground. Damp for many initially, but rain becoming mainly confined to the northwest later. Much milder.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day:
Remaining rather cloudy but mild throughout Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Some patchy rain at times, especially in the northwest. Slightly cooler by Friday, with perhaps a little more brightness.
Andy Gregory23 December 2024 21:00
Weather map: Met Office’s snow forecast for Christmas week
The Met Office has revealed where and when snow is expected to fall in the UK over the Christmas period.
My colleague Tara Cobham has the details in this report:
Andy Gregory23 December 2024 20:01
