Temperatures have plunged across Merseyside as the region remains in the grip of a sudden cold snap. A yellow weather warning was issued after snow and ice swept across the area yesterday, Sunday January 4, with freezing conditions continuing throughout Monday. Temperatures dipped as low as -2C.
Ice and snow caused significant disruption on roads in and around Merseyside, with traffic delays reported throughout the day. Three cars became stranded on a bridge near Dunnings Bridge Road, forcing other drivers to turn around.
A number of road traffic collisions were also reported, including a crash on the M53 southbound between the A5137 Brimstage Road and junction 5 at the A41 New Chester Road, as well as a collision on the M56 westbound between junctions 14 and 15.
Bus services were also affected, with routes diverted due to icy road conditions. Arriva North West said Service 10B was unable to serve Elizabeth Road and would terminate at Manor Farm Road, warning passengers of possible delays.
The Arriva 352 service between Wigan and St Helens was also diverted. The operator said the service would reroute via St James Road in both directions, omitting Sandy Lane, Lodge Road and Church Street.
Train services were also impacted, with Merseyrail suspending services between Ellesmere Port and Hooton due to poor weather conditions.
Rail replacement buses were requested but had not yet begun operating. One passenger reported that around 200 people were left waiting on the platform.
Wintry weather also caused widespread disruption at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, where snow and ice led to the temporary closure of the runway. Although much of the snowfall from yesterday remains, it has since turned to ice in places.
The airport confirmed its runway was closed while maintenance crews worked to clear snow and ice, resulting in the cancellation of 26 arriving and departing flights.
In a post on X at 8am, the airport said: “Due to the wintry weather conditions, our runway is currently closed with our teams out clearing the snow and ice.”
The runway reopened at around 3pm.
Photos shared from across the region showed the impact of the freezing conditions, with lakes frozen solid and roads coated in ice. Sefton Park lake was completely frozen over as residents wrapped up and braved the cold for walks.
Merseyside Police warned parents of the dangers of frozen lakes after children were spotted playing on Carr Mill Dam lake in St Helens. Posting on social media, the force said: “Earlier today a group of young people had to be encouraged off the ice at Carr Mill Dam in St Helens due to concerns the ice could crack and they could fall into freezing water.
“No-one came to any harm during this incident, which happened as many schools across Merseyside remained closed for inset days or due to the weather, but it highlighted the risks of being tempted onto the ice when it could crack and lead to an emergency situation.”
Chilly conditions are forecast to persist in Liverpool throughout the rest of the week, while the Met Office has warned of widespread wintry hazards across the UK over the coming days.
Four amber warnings for snow remain in force across parts of northern Scotland, while a series of yellow warnings for snow and ice have been issued across large areas of the UK, including Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and parts of England.
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