M1 shut and 24,000 without power as snow hits UK

Source:news.sky.com

An accident in treacherous conditions has closed the M1 and 24,000 homes are without power after overnight snowstorms hit the UK.

A lorry crash has closed all three lanes of the M1 southbound prior to junction 19, with Leicestershire Police telling Sky News it was likely caused by the wintry conditions.

There are tailbacks stretching several miles with people trying to return to work or from Christmas breaks.

Police tweeted: "There has been an accident involving a lorry. Unfortunately, all lanes are currently blocked. Police and Highways are aware and are currently dealing. Please make alternative travel arrangements. Updates to follow."

A lorry has also jack-knifed on the M5 at junction 11a.

The A46 was closed in both directions between the A435 and A422 near Alcester. There are reports an HGV left the carriageway amid difficult driving conditions before the road was reopened.

There is disruption on the A14 westbound in Suffolk between junctions 47 Elmswell and 45 due to flooding.

Motorists across the country are being warned to take extra care as snow settles in parts.

Up to 7cm of snow was recorded to have fallen over Exmoor, South Wales and the Cotswolds overnight.

Strong winds have been recorded in parts of the south west, with gusts of up to 50mph across Cornwall.

Meanwhile, Western Power Distribution confirmed 13,899 homes were without electricity across southwestern and central parts of the country.

SSE also has around 10,000 customers without power

The Environment Agency has also issued 14 flood warnings and 96 flood alerts, mainly in the South West and central England.

Passengers at Birmingham Airport have been warned the snow is likely to impact flights.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain and snow for the Midlands, London and the South East, the North West, South West and Yorkshire and the Humber. They will remain in place until 11am.

A separate warning for ice has been issued for Northern Ireland, Yorkshire and the Humber and the North East in England; the Highlands, Grampian, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde and Orkney and Shetland in Scotland.