A66 Shut as Arctic Blast Brings Snow and Ice, Causing Major Travel Disruption
A major road across the Pennines has been closed as an Arctic blast brought snow, ice, and freezing temperatures to Scotland and northern England, leading to significant travel disruptions and health alerts. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings that remain in force, predicting widespread issues for commuters and vulnerable populations.
Road Closures and Weather Warnings
On Friday morning, National Highways announced the closure of the A66 between the A67 near Bowes in County Durham and the A685 near Brough in Cumbria due to concentrated snowfall. Crews are on scene with winter treatment vehicles working to clear the carriageway, but forecasts indicate that snowfall will continue throughout the morning. Cumbria police units are assisting to manage traffic, and road users are advised to plan ahead and consider alternate routes.
The Met Office has issued two yellow warnings for snow and ice, effective until noon on Friday. In Scotland, the warning includes snow showers as deep as 10cm on high ground and 2cm on low ground, with freezing temperatures making driving dangerous and journey times longer. In northern England, the warning covers rain, sleet, and snow, which could lead to slippery pavements, icy roads, and disruption to public transport, with up to 10cm of snow settling on high ground above 300 metres.
Health Alerts and Broader Weather Impacts
As a result of the Arctic maritime air mass bringing colder temperatures southwards, the UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow alerts for cold weather across northern England and the Midlands from 6am on Friday until 8am on Monday. These alerts warn of a greater risk to life for vulnerable people and increased use of healthcare services.
This wintry weather follows a strikingly wet start to 2026 for large parts of the UK. The Met Office reported that people in parts of Devon, Cornwall, and Worcestershire experienced rain for 40 days. On Friday, England had 76 flood warnings and 154 flood alerts in place, while Wales had four flood alerts. Additionally, Aberdeen endured 21 days of sunless weather until a brief 30-minute appearance of sunshine on Thursday afternoon.
Forecast and Future Outlook
Despite the current cold, frosty, and tricky conditions, there is hope for better weather ahead. Marco Petagna, a Met Office forecaster, stated that Saturday will likely be the best day seen for some time, with a lot of sunshine across the UK. Temperatures will be cooler than average, but this will be offset by the sunshine, providing some relief from the ongoing disruptions.
This Arctic blast underscores the challenges of winter weather in the UK, highlighting the importance of preparedness and caution for travelers and residents alike.
