UK weather 'Dangerously cold' winds leave 140 flights cancelled

UK weather 'Dangerously cold' winds leave 140 flights cancelled



The Beast from the East is back with a vengeance this weekend as large parts of Britain are battered by 'dangerously cold' winds and up to 12 inches of snow. 



A 'risk to life' weather warning has been issued for the south west of England, where thick snow and winds of up to 50mph risk taking down trees and power cables. 



There is still heavy snow on the ground in Scotland, with 12.7 inches covering some areas, along with a thick blanket across the north, north east and the midlands. 



Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are also in place across most of England, where snow and icy road conditions could force drivers to abandon their vehicles. Londoners will see an inch of snow today.



Remote parts of Devon and Cornwall face blackouts later today as snow, ice and gale force winds threaten to cut off isolated communities.



Thousands of passengers at London Heathrow faced disruption this morning after 146 flights were cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.





Temperatures are due to drop below freezing, but winds of up to 50mph will make it feel a 'dangerously cold' -8C (17.6F).



Met Office forecaster Steven Keates told MailOnline: 'It's going to be another exceptionally cold day today, especially for March.



'A severe penetrating freeze in some parts of the country will make it feel between -5C and -8C, it's going to be pretty unpleasant in some places.



'Winds from the west of Russia and Finland will bring similar conditions to those we had a few weeks ago.



'With lying snow on the ground across the north of England and eastern Scotland, there will also be showers across most of England and southern Wales.'



At least 146 flights in and out of London's Heathrow Airport have already been cancelled for Sunday as Britain continues to be battered by the 'Mini Beast from the East'.



Holidaymakers are being advised to check their flight details before risking a journey to the airport. 



Three snowploughs have been dispatched to the M62, which connects Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds after b*d conditions brought traffic to a standstill.



Greater Manchester Police's traffic unit said conditions were 'bleak' on the trans-Pennine route, with footage from the area showing blizzard-like conditions.



Local road police teams have warned the A54, A537 and B5470 in Cheshire are either closed or impassable and they will not be able to rescue drivers who find themselves stranded.



In Gloucester, which faces an amber weather warning, the A38 is highly treacherous, with motorists asked to avoid travel if possible. 





Advising drivers who do have to head out today, Ella Colley Halfords' winter expert, said: 'With the Mini Beast From The East hitting the UK, and snow hitting most areas, we're advising drivers to check their wipers – they need to be in good working order to clear the windscreen.



'Poor visibility doesn't just make driving in the snow unpleasant but failing to see a hazard quickly can slow your reaction time.



'Drivers should also give their car a quick health check by checking screen wash, tyre pressure and keeping extra clothes, warm drinks and a mobile phone handy.'



Those hoping to travel by train today face heavily delayed timetables, with the Heathrow Connect, Heathrow Express, Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express services in and out of London affected by bad weather.



Elsewhere Arriva Trains Wales, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Great Northern, Great Western Railway, Hull Trains, Island Line Northern and South Western Railway services also delayed or cancelled in parts.





Today's sporting schedule has also been decimated by the weather as a second wave of snow inside a month hit the UK.



Derby's Championship clash with Cardiff at Pride Park fell due to the snowfall over Pride Park, while in rugby union the Anglo-Welsh Cup final between Bath and Exeter was cancelled.



The clash was due to be played at Gloucester's Kingsholm but snowfall left the conditions unsafe.



In rugby league, Castleford held a 10am pitch inspection for their Super League game with Wigan only for the game to fall foul. A short drive away, York's game with Swinton - being played at Featherstone - was set to go ahead.