Winter chaos grips Britain: Homeless man ‘freezes to death in car’ while sheltering from -10C temperatures as major incident is declared in Cumbria and drivers are told to only travel if necessary

Winter chaos grips Britain: Homeless man ‘freezes to death in car’ while sheltering from -10C temperatures as major incident is declared in Cumbria and drivers are told to only travel if necessary The man, who has not been named, relied on the car for heat and shelter Snow and ice have caused widespread disruption across the UK Are YOU affected by the snowy weather? Email chloe. louise@mailonline. co.

uk By Chloe Louise Published: 19:57 EST, 2 December 2023 | Updated: 20:31 EST, 2 December 2023 e-mail View comments A homeless man died while sheltered in his car from -10C temperatures during the cold snap that has swept the country. It is believed that the man, who has not been named, froze to death and firefighters had to be called to cut his body free. Police officers were captured on video, circulated on X, gathered around a black car in Beeston, Nottinghamshire.

With an ambulance parked nearby, the man was removed from the frosted vehicle. The tragedy came as a major incident was declared in Cumbria and drivers were told only travel if necessary. A homeless man died while he slept in a car during the freezing temperatures that has swept the country It is believed that the man, who has not been named, froze to death and firefighters were called to cut his body free as temperatures could drop as low as minus 12 The Met Office issued an amber warning for snow in Cumbria throughout Saturday, saying 10-15cm of snow is possible in some areas before showers begin to ease overnight One resident said: ‘People tried to get help for the poor guy in the past.

What an awful and tragic waste of a life. ‘What is society coming to when a homeless person can freeze to death on a street in Britain?’ Nottinghamshire Police said they were called following reports of a man’s sudden death. They cordoned off the scene at 10am on Friday morning and remained there until the evening.

It is thought that the man relied on the motor for warmth and shelter. In a statement, Detective Inspector Claire Gould described the incident as ‘tragic’ but said it was not being treated as suspicious. She said: ‘Police were called to Dallas York Road, Beeston, at around 10am (1 December) following reports of a man’s sudden death.

‘ ‘Our thoughts are with this man’s family and friends at this difficult time’, she added. The tragedy comes after Cumbria Police urged people not to travel to the county on Sunday as it declared a major incident because of heavy snowfall on the county’s roads. Police officers were captured on video, circulated on X, gathered around a black car in Beeston, Nottinghamshire The tragedy came as forecasters warned that 10-15cm of snow is possible in some areas of the country over the weekend The force said a multi-agency response was ongoing on Saturday evening to ‘minimise the challenges that heavy snowfall is continuing to have on the county’s road network’.

It has urged people not to travel to the county on Sunday unless necessary, adding that some highway teams had been ‘verbally abused’ as they attempted to deal with the situation. In a post on social media, Cumbria Police said: ‘A yellow weather warning for ice is in place for tomorrow morning which will have a continued impact on Cumbria’s roads. ‘We would also urge people not to travel to the county tomorrow unless necessary.

‘ Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service said it was utilising its 4 x 4 vehicles to help ‘vulnerable people stuck in the snow as required’, adding that it was assisting at reception centres. Cumbria Police said the M6 southbound between J38 and J37 was blocked on Saturday due to jackknifed lorries and that the A595 between Millom and Furness was impassable. National Highways said it was also dealing with a large number of stranded vehicles on Saturday evening, particularly on the M6 between J38 and J40.

Earlier on Saturday, Cumbria Police said it was aware of multiple reports of vehicles stuck in traffic in the South Lakes area, particularly in the Bowness and Grizedale areas, because of snow. Superintendent Andy Wilkinson said: ‘We are continuing to see challenging conditions in Cumbria. ‘Agencies across the county have been working hard and will be into the night in response to the impact of heavy snowfall.

‘We are aware of a number of incidents in which highway teams and those assisting in the efforts to support those affected by the snow have been verbally abused. ‘We understand people’s frustration during this time; however, agencies are working hard to improve the situation in Cumbria and are also facing the challenging road conditions when responding. ‘The snow today ended up being much more significant than forecast and the amber warning that was put in place this afternoon is in place until midnight and, with a yellow warning from snow and ice tomorrow, we expect to continue to see challenging road conditions whilst these warning are in place.

Therefore, we continue to ask people to not travel and to only do so if absolutely necessary. ‘ The yellow weather warning was extended into more of southwest Scotland and northern England on Saturday evening. Ambleside resident Harrison Ward said the snow was the heaviest he had seen during eight years of living in the Cumbrian town, adding that lots of people had abandoned their vehicles on Saturday as they ‘tried to find refuge’.

Mr Ward, who works as an outdoor cook, said: ‘It really feels like you’re walking through the Alps or some ski resort at the moment. ‘ He added: ‘Once a few cars have stopped or crashed or been abandoned, then it all comes to a halt. ‘So we’ve seen complete gridlock through the town with lots of wheel spinning going on – there’s a real smell of burnt clutches in the air.

‘Some vehicles moved about 100 metres in an hour’s time. ‘ Julie Coldwell, who lives in the lakes, said more than 100 cars have been ditched near Windermere as she posted on social media that ‘It’s awful here’. Temperatures could drop to minus 12C overnight, as forecasters warned that 10-15cm of snow is possible in some areas on Saturday.

And the Met Office are predicting the UK to be shrouded in freezing fog – with a 251-mile snowstorm that could sweep the nation tomorrow. The forecaster said Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highland regions of Scotland were likely to see the lowest temperatures on Saturday night, with minus 12C possible in some valleys in these regions. The county’s emergency services are engaged in a multi-agency response as heavy snow wreaks havoc on their road service – with vehicles stuck in the south of the Lake District A person walks through snow above the Hole of Horcum at the North York Moors National Park, as scattered weather warnings for snow and ice are in place across the UK as temperatures plunged below freezing overnight A train crosses the Viaduct in Ayrshire as central Scotland wakes up to a winter wonderland Glasgow woke to snow scenes this morning as temperatures plunged below freezing Ventusky Privacy Policy The Met Office issued an amber alert for snow in the north east Police in Cumbria have warned the public to stay at home and only travel when necessary – particularly in the South Lakes and Millom areas.

Pictured: Heavy snowfall on the M6 in Cumbria It has issued an amber warning for snow in Cumbria throughout Saturday, saying 10-15cm of snow is possible in some areas before showers begin to ease overnight It has issued an amber warning for snow in Cumbria throughout Saturday, saying 10-15cm of snow is possible in some areas before showers begin to ease overnight. What does an Amber Warning mean? The Met Office has issued an amber warning for snow in Cumbria throughout Saturday. This indicates: Travel delays on roads are likely, which could mean some vehicles are left stranded along with their passengers Power cuts are likely and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected There is a good chance that some rural communities could be cut off Delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely Credit: The Met Office Advertisement The Met Office said frequent snow showers will bring further disruption to transport and infrastructure in the north west of England.

It added there is a ‘good chance that some rural communities could become cut off’ and power cuts were likely, with the potential for other services, such as mobile phone coverage, to be affected. Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly said: ‘Snow could be heavy at times across Cumbria with the odd rumble of thunder. .

. 10-15cm of snow is possible before showers begin to ease overnight. ‘A low pressure system will bring less cold but more unsettled weather for southern parts of the UK from tonight onwards, although northern areas will continue (to be) cold with wintry showers and sharp overnight frosts.

‘Many areas of England and Wales can then expect spells of rain for the start of next week, which could be heavy at times with a risk of flooding. Some higher hills across parts of North Wales and northern England could see further snow. ‘ The Met Office has also issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice from 6pm on Saturday to 12pm on Sunday covering much of the Midlands, Yorkshire, the north east and north west of England, and North and Central Wales.

The weather service said that while not everywhere will see accumulating snow, some places are likely to see 1-3cm, with 5-10cm possible over some hills and mountains in Wales, the Peak District and South Pennines. Police in Cumbria have warned the public to stay at home and only travel when necessary – particularly in the South Lakes and Millom areas. The M6 southbound between J38 and J37 was blocked due to jackknifed lorries and that the A595 between Millom and Furness was impassable.

National Highways said it was also dealing with a large number of stranded vehicles on Saturday evening, particularly on the M6 between J38 and J40. South Lakes Police have opened an ’emergency refuge space’ for those who are stuck – with accommodation and provisions available as they urge people not to try and get their in their car. The Met Office has also issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice from 6pm on Saturday to 12pm on Sunday covering much of the Midlands, Yorkshire, the north east and north west of England, and North and Central Wales Cumbria’s police force warned motorists to take care – as they posted a photo of one of their 4x4s in a snowy scene and said they were helping vehicles who had got stuck A gritter lorry treats roads, with the Forth Bridge, Scotland, in the background, as snow and ice affect many parts of Scotland The comedically-named gritters have been out in force as Scottish authorities mobilise the machines in an effort to keep the roads running And they say the roads will ‘remain challenging’ as low temperatures continue, as the force released a list of 11 roads currently shackled by the weather.

Roads in Cumbria to avoid due to weather as county declares a ‘major incident’ A591 Windermere Road (Plumgarth Roundabout, Kendal) to Wythburn – Severe delays and road is impassable due to snow. A592 between Newby Bridge and Windermere both ways just passable due to snow. A593 between Skelwith Bridge and Ambleside – both ways just passable due to snow.

A590 Greenodd to Newby Bridge – both ways just passable long delays, queueing traffic due to snow from. • A595 Kirkby-in-Furness and Grizebeck – just passable and queuing traffic due to snow. A6 from Kirkby’s Stephen Hill turn off (Shap) to Garth Row (Garth Row) both ways just passable, queueing traffic due to snow.

Harras Road in Whitehaven – queuing traffic between York Terrace and Red Lonning. B5286 between Clappersgate and Hawkshead – queuing traffic and just passable. Woodhouse Road in Whitehaven – queuing traffic between the B5345 St Bees Road and Fell View Avenue.

A5092 between Whicham and Greenodd – Queueing traffic and road impassable due to snow both ways. M6 southbound between J38 (Tebay) and 37 (Kendal) – traffic is now moving following an incident of jack-knifed lorries. List by South Lakes Police Advertisement Now residents of Lake District villages are grouping together on local Facebook groups to offer safe haven to families stuck in the snow.

Superintendent Andy Wilkinson of Cumbria Constabulary said: ‘Agencies across Cumbria are working together in response to the impact that heavy snowfall is continuing to have on the county’s roads. ‘We are working at pace, to help clear roads so those currently affected can get moving. ‘I would urge anybody considering travelling in Cumbria tonight, to only do so if necessary.

The cold temperatures forecast will make road conditions even more difficult. ‘ The forecaster said there will probably be icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths, resulting in ‘some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces’. It warned that some roads and railways are likely to be affected, with longer journey times by road, bus and train.

The Met Office extended a weather warning for snow and ice in Cumbria, northern Lancashire and the Scottish coast south of Dumfries. The yellow weather warning is now in place throughout all of Saturday but covers a reduced area. The Met Office has also issued a yellow weather warning of ice from midnight until 8am on Sunday for London, the East of England, the West Midlands and parts of South Wales.

The weather service warned that areas of rain or sleet falling on frozen surfaces may lead to icy conditions and some injuries may result from slips and falls. It added: ‘Rain or sleet is expected to spread from west to east across the area overnight, falling on to frozen surfaces and leading to icy patches, perhaps even where treatment has been applied. ‘ Forecasters say the latest alert issued will cover most of the Midlands, Yorkshire and north and central Wales.

Weather maps show the possibility of snow starting in Newcastle and ending in Worcester, with roads and railways likely to be affected. Snow could fall tonight, beginning at 3am – with some parts of the country experiencing 2cm of snow falling every hour. The Met Office has already issued an amber alert today, warning of the risk of power cuts and more travel chaos after flights and trains were cancelled due to the freezing weather.

It put an amber warning in place for the Cumbria area until midnight, warning some rural communities may be cut off, power cuts are likely along with issues with other services such as mobile phone coverage. It issued yellow weather warnings for parts of the country this morning as temperatures dropped as low as -10C overnight. The Met Office has said the parts of the country may see -12C tonight, advising people to brace for the cold conditions.

Weather maps show the possibility of snow starting in Newcastle and ending in Worcester, with roads and railways likely to be affected Snow could fall tonight, with some parts of the country experiencing 2cm of snow The Met Office has said the parts of the country may see -12C tonight The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice covering much of the Midlands, Yorkshire and North and Central Wales from 6pm on Saturday to 12pm on Sunday The cold conditions have caused widespread disruption across the UK today with trains and flights cancelled and events postponed due to the weather. Parts of Britain experienced snow last night – with heavy snow in Scotland causing Glasgow Airport to suspend all flights which have since resumed. Flurries of snow also fell in the southeast and southwest of England, with icy rails causing a power failure in Kent.

This led to the Southeastern service between Dover Priory and Ramsgate to be suspended. The weather meant Manchester United’s flight to Newcastle was cancelled this morning ahead of their 8pm Premier League game, forcing them to travel by coach instead. Pictured: A dog walker strolls along a frozen lake in Gateshead this morning Pictured: Snow covered a vineyard in the Kent Downs after temperatures plummeted A sheep stands in a snow covered field in the Kent Downs today Pictured: Saltwell Park in Gateshead earlier today The Met Office issued yellow weather warnings for parts of the country this morning as temperatures dropped as low as -10C overnight.

Pictured: Glasgow this morning The freezing temperatures haven’t stopped some walkers who ventured out this morning Snow covered the Blackpool coastline this morning as the Met Office issues yellow warnings Widespread travel disruption is being caused by the ice and snow As snow showers continue to move in from the Irish Sea today, The Met Office has issued an Amber weather warning. Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Jason Kelly, said: ‘Snow could be heavy at times across Cumbria with the odd rumble of thunder. 10-15 cm of snow is possible before showers begin to ease overnight.

READ MORE – Europe in Winter’s icy grip: Flights are cancelled in Germany and Switzerland while avalanche warning hits Austria after snow sparks travel chaos on continent Advertisement ‘A low pressure system will bring less cold, but more unsettled weather for southern parts of the UK from tonight onwards, although northern areas will continue cold with wintry showers and sharp overnight frosts. ‘Many areas of England and Wales areas can then expect spells of rain for the start of next week, which could be heavy at times with a risk of flooding. Some higher hills across parts of north Wales and northern England could see further snow’ The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice covering much of the Midlands, Yorkshire and North and Central Wales from 6pm on Saturday to 12pm on Sunday.

It warned that some roads and railways are ‘likely to be affected’ by the conditions with longer journey times by road, bus and train. Temperatures dropped as low as 11C this morning according to The Met Office Wood pigeons fly from a tree standing in a snow covered field. Pictured: Kent Downs today A person walks through snow above the Hole of Horcum at the North York Moors National Park The Met Office has warned of snow, ice and freezing fog.

Pictured: Kent Downs this morning Nottinghamshire police cordoned off a residential road in Beeston yesterday after a man said to be living in his car was found dead at 9am. Pictured: police at the area yesterday The Met Office added that there would probably be some icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths resulting in ‘some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces’. The yellow weather warning, issued just before 9.

30am on Saturday, follows others for snow and ice that have already been issued for parts of Scotland, Cumbria, the eastern coast of England and a yellow warning of ice in the South West of England. Football fans will be disappointed as the freezing conditions means the FA Cup second round clash between Crewe and Bristol Rovers has been postponed. This is because a pitch inspection found it was unsafe to play due to a ‘prolonged spell of sub-zero conditions’.

Crewe’s match with Bristol Rovers in the second round of the FA Cup today has been called off and rearranged for December 12, with the playing surface deemed unsafe. A number of Scottish Professional Football League matches were likewise postponed ahead of the weekend, with Dundee United’s trip to face Morton at Cappielow called off, and the game between Ayr and Arbroath at Somerset Park. Pictured: A goat in the snow in the North York Moors National Park today A farmer with her cattle in the snow in the North York Moors National Park Remarkable footage shows icy mist rolling over cliffs in Dorset And Manchester United’s team were due to board a flight at 11am this morning ahead of their match in Newcastle but this was cancelled due to the weather.

Instead, the team will face a three-hour coach journey to Tyneside before taking on Newcastle at 8pm. READ MORE – S tunning video captures freezing fog flowing over Dorset coastline after -10C overnight freeze across the UK Advertisement It comes after the first day of meteorological winter brought a cold snap across the UK yesterday, sparking panic among event organisers who have cancelled a raft of events including a Christmas fun run. Several train services were cancelled or delayed due to the icy conditions, and adding to the chaos are the strikes by train drivers affecting East Midlands Railway and LNER services today.

ScotRail also posted on X to warn travellers that ‘heavy snow’ is impacting their rails. It read: ‘Heavy snow is affecting multiple routes across the West of Scotland this morning. ‘The snow is affecting some signalling systems and staff are working as quickly as possible to rectify these just now.

Please check your journey prior to travelling. ‘ Yellow weather warnings are in place through to 11am on Saturday morning for the northern coast and southwest of Scotland, along with the southwest and the eastern coast of England. The Met Office warned drivers and cyclists to be wary of slippery roads and said travelling by road or railway is likely to take longer due to icy patches Yellow weather warnings are in place through to 11am on Saturday morning for the northern coast and southwest of Scotland, along with the southwest and the eastern coast of England Lily Brown, eight, Rourke Fisher, eight, and Aurora Fisher, seven, play on the snowy sand at Blackpool beach this morning Freezing overnight temperatures saw the lake freeze over and dog walkers enjoy the snow covered surroundings at Saltwell Park in Gateshead this morning The Angel of the North stands surrounded by snow on a chilly start to the day Seagulls rested on the frozen lake at Saltwell Park in Gateshead today during freezing weather Good morning from a snowy Glasgow Central.

It’s been a challenging start to the day due to the heavy snow overnight, but @NetworkRailSCOT teams are working hard to keep trains moving. @ScotRail @AvantiWestCoast @TPExpressTrains @CrossCountryUK @CalSleeper @LNER pic. twitter.

com/iXWPGs4iGr — Glasgow Central (@NetworkRailGLC) December 2, 2023 Scotland in particular had heavy snow fall over the last few days with temperatures dropping to -10C on Friday night. READ MORE – Will it snow for Christmas 2023? Met Office reveals weather prediction for December Advertisement This led to Glasgow Airport suspending all their flights this morning. A post on the Glasgow Airport’s X account read: ‘Flight operations are currently suspended due to heavier than forecast snow.

‘Our winter teams have been working through the night and we hope to resume operations as soon as possible. ‘Please check with your airline for further flight updates. ‘ But at 10:30, a post on their social media confirmed flights are resuming.

It read: ‘Our runway is now fully operational again and we are working with our airline partners and their handlers to resume flight schedules. ‘Passengers should continue to contact their airlines for further info. Thank you to everyone affected for their patience and understanding.

‘ Dale Hipkiss, National Network Manager at National Highways, said: ‘Plan ahead for your journey, check weather forecasts, and if weather conditions do become challenging whilst travelling, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care. ‘If you do unfortunately find yourself in an unsafe or vulnerable situation and need assistance please contact the emergency services. ‘We have a guide to travelling in severe weather on our website.

It’s also a good idea for people to check their vehicle’s tyres, coolant and oil levels before heading out to reduce the risk of a breakdown. ‘ Some schools in Scotland, Durham and Cornwall have closed due to difficulties for staff and pupils getting in. Seaham High School in County Durham posted on Facebook: ‘We have made the decision to close the school today due to not enough staff being able to get into work.

We will update soon regarding online work being made available’. The weather has also caused disruption to events across the UK, with a firework display due to take place at Stonham Barns Park today has been cancelled due to the weather. READ MORE – Drivers warned to use fog lights properly or risk £50 fine – as UK faces -10C freeze this weekend Advertisement Organisers said: ‘Unfortunately due to the weather and the condition of our field we have decided to cancel our firework night this weekend.

‘ It comes after several firework displays across Suffolk were postponed or cancelled due to poor weather in November. The official parkrun has has to cancel dozens of events this weekend due to ‘weather’ and ‘frost and ice on the course’. Organisers of the cancelled Albert Parkrun in Middlesborough quipped that ‘the pavement allows for ice skating rather than run’.

Motoring company Driving Experience has warned drivers to brush up on their knowledge of when to use their fog lights – or face fines of £50. The company said that drivers who have their fog lights on during clear weather could be issued with fines. Temperatures plunged to their lowest since March yesterday, causing 30 schools to close or open late in Cornwall.

Several crashes were also reported on the roads in County Durham roads as a result of the snow. Homelessness Glasgow Airport Wales Glasgow Share or comment on this article: Winter chaos grips Britain: Homeless man ‘freezes to death in car’ while sheltering from -10C temperatures as major incident is declared in Cumbria and drivers are told to only travel if necessary e-mail Add comment Comments 0 Share what you think No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

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