Flights resume from Leeds - but much more snow on the way

Many parts woke up to another covering of snow

The snowfall meant the airport closed briefly around 5am today until runways could be cleared.

The wintry conditions led to adverse motoring conditions, with fire and rescue crews warning drivers to be more cautious and watch for standing water as the snow melts.

There were also delays for rail commuters, with overrunning engineering work being blamed for cancellations on the Wharfedale line into Leeds.

Meanwhile, forecasters have also warned that another cold snap is on its way - with parts of the country facing more snow and freezing temperatures.

The north of England and Scotland are expected to see up to eight inches of snow build up between tonight and Wednesday morning, with temperatures dropping as low as minus 15C (5F) overnight.

The Met Office issued a yellow severe weather warning urging those in the regions likely to be affected by snow to be aware.

Tony Conlan, a forecaster for MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: “Most accumulations of snow are likely to be overnight on Tuesday.

“Temperatures could potentially drop as low as minus 10C (14F) or even minus 15C (5F), depending on how much snow we see and how the wind falls.

“It is nowhere near the UK’s record low of minus 27.2C (minus 17F) but it will still be very chilly.”

The Grampians, eastern parts of the Southern Uplands, the Lake District and the Pennines are expected to be hit hardest.

Wales, the Midlands, East Anglia and parts of the South East may also wake to a covering of up to one inch of snow on Wednesday morning and overnight frost is expected throughout the country.

Issuing a yellow warning for ice today and tomorrow, the Met Office said slippery stretches are “likely on untreated roads and pavements”.

With snow melting away during the day, commuters are facing potential disruption during morning rush-hour.

Mr Conlan said the cold snap should let up after Wednesday, with indications that temperatures may warm up as milder winds come in from the South West on Friday.

Leeds Bradford International Airport has now reopened after snow forced its closure today. (March 18)

The airport was shut at about 6am, causing a number of flights to be delayed or cancelled, including those from Heathrow and Glasgow and those going to Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin and Belfast.

Passengers were being advised to contact their airlines and tour operators and to check the status of their flights before travelling to the airport. It was reopened at around 7.30am.

Pau Mott, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said about 1.2in (3cm) or 1.5in (4cm) of snow had fallen in the Leeds area since midnight.