UK battered by strong winds: Travel chaos at airports and on roads
Strong and gusty winds have caused considerable chaos across the United Kingdom. Due to cancelled flights, ferries, and trains, thousands of travellers have been forced to change their holiday plans.
"The Independent" reports that on Sunday, 22nd December this year, the weather in the United Kingdom made it difficult for many to travel within the country or abroad for the holidays. At times, wind speeds reached up to 75 mph, significantly affecting air traffic.
Paralysis in the United Kingdom
Over 100 flights at Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom were cancelled. "Due to strong winds and airspace restrictions, a few flights were cancelled today (22nd December this year - editor's note). As a result, the vast majority of passengers will still be able to travel as planned," a spokesperson for the airport stated, as reported by British media.
Additionally, the departure of several planes was also halted in Glasgow.
An emergency landing occurred at Belfast Airport due to strong winds. Fortunately, no one was hurt. The airport had to close the runway for the rest of the day.
Disruptions on land and sea
Also, due to the adverse weather, ferries were not operating on many routes in Scotland and Ireland. Some operators altered the schedules on their routes.
Snow caused the closure of one lane on the M62 motorway, and the RAC warns drivers of challenging conditions. Many Northern trains were cancelled, further complicating travel. Weather warnings are in place in many parts of the United Kingdom. Moreover, the rail operator ScotRail announced that speed restrictions are in place on parts of the route between Glasgow and Oban/Mallaig, and on the route from Inverness to Kyle/Wick.
The Met Office forecasts "grey holidays" with mild temperatures and occasional clear spells. Nevertheless, travellers must anticipate further disruptions due to adverse weather conditions.
Source: "The Independent"
