Due to the severe weather conditions Manchester Airport closed this morning.
A spokesperson from Manchester Airport said "A significant amount of snow has fallen overnight and continues to fall at the airport and across Greater Manchester. The forecasts show that the situation is unlikely to clear before 12pm so operations will remain suspended until then at Manchester Airport. We have taken this decision, as we want to ensure that safety is maintained on the airfield for our airlines and passengers."
"A further decision about snow clearance on the airfield will be taken at that time taking into account the Weather forecasts for the rest of the day. We encourage all passengers flying today to check with their airlines for the latest up-to-date information on their flight. Further updates will follow throughout the day."
The latest update from the council yesterday stated that gritting vehicles are now only treating “Priority 1” routes across Cheshire East, which are ‘A’ roads and designated roads to and from Accident and Emergency departments.
All available resources are being used to pre-salt these roads. This will continue for the duration of the severe weather conditions with more freezing temperatures and snowfall forecast for the next 48 hours.
Cheshire East Council does have the option of loaning vehicles from West Cheshire should the conditions become more testing.
More than 500 tonnes of grit has been used to treat roads since December 31 2009. Deliveries of grit will continue this week, with some gritting vehicles loaded directly from the Winsford salt mine.
The A54 between Bosley and Buxton remains closed due to snow and ice as does the A537 between Macclesfield and Buxton.
A spokesperson from Cheshire East said “We would urge anyone who intends to make a journey by foot or car to do so only if absolutely necessary”.
To keep up to date with the latest weather forecast from the Met Office visit our weather section which is currently showing light snow for the rest of the day in Wilmslow.
Please do share any weather related news by using the comment box below and email your winter photos to [email protected].
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A spokesperson for the airport said "The worst of the Weather appears to have now passed and our focus now is on clearing the runway and airfield of the remaining snow."
"We expect a slow departure rate as we try and deal with the backlog of flights from this morning. We encourage all passengers flying today to check with their airlines for the latest up-to-date information on their flight."
Cheshire East have announced that officers will today aim to salt routes surrounding local schools, day care centres and footways.
A spokesperson said “We are managing salt reserves carefully and constantly monitoring the weather conditions. However, with extremely low temperatures set to continue, it should be noted that salt becomes less effective below -5 degrees C.”
The A537 ‘Cat and Fiddle’ and A54 both remain closed due to snow
Cheshire East Council is advising everyone, whether making a journey by car or by foot, to take extra care at this time. Only make a journey if necessary.
Yesterday, more than 100 operatives were sent out to salt footways across Cheshire East. This will be repeated, where possible, later today.
Snow ploughs have also been sent out to deal with areas hit by heavy snowfall, particularly on higher ground.
A spokesperson from Cheshire East said "Every effort is being made to treat roads surrounding local schools and day centres."
"We are also managing our salt stocks carefully. All gritting vehicles are being reloaded once per day at the Winsford salt mine."
Further freezing temperatures are expected over the next 48 hours, along with a forecast for snow in and around Cheshire East. In extremely low temperatures, it should be noted that salt becomes less effective below -5 degrees C.
The A54 and A537 "Cat and Fiddle" both remain closed due to snow and ice. When open they will only passable with the use of a 4x4 vehicle.
Again, Cheshire East urge anyone who intends to make a journey by foot or car to do so only if absolutely necessary.